Stimulus Check for the Wrong Amount?

Question

I received a letter in the mail stating my stimulus check amount. It was only $1200 (married filing jointly). I tried to call up but I can't get a real person to talk to about this. We have a child so I should have gotten $1500.

However we did have a problem with our taxes where they excluded my dependent because they mistook the 6 on the social security number for a 3 (not sure how they did that, I think someone in the office typed it wrong). That ended up being corrected and we received a second check for the difference of the amounts.

I can't get through to anyone on the phone to get this corrected.

What can I do. When I call to try to talk to someone I get told I'm not allowed to call about the check until July 4th. I would like to get this settled way before then. Can I cash my stimulus check when I receive it and then they send me the difference or do I have to wait until July 4th.

Answer 1

I doubt the amount is "wrong."  Your assumption was probably wrong.  Take your 2007 return and go to the IRS rebate calculator.

Answer 2

Not sure but this does really suck! If you docash it I would Keep a copy or something if I could!

Answer 3

Check the letter you got or will get soon to see if you got the $300 for your child.  You probably didn't, and if not, should still get it, but would be a good idea to contact the IRS about it (I know, easier said than done).

Cashing the check you DO get won't hurt your ability to get the other $300.

Answer 4

Most likely your dependent's check is coming separately due to the original confusion, and yes, you will not be able to call until after July 4th.

Answer 5

I had the same problem. I did talk with someone and they said there is nothing you can do about it. You will have to take the $300 credit next year when you file. I was on hold for about 90 minutes. And for some unknow reason we only got $600 and my wife an I should have gotten $1,200. And the democrats think the government can run our health care?

Answer 6

It will get correctly but not until later in the summer.

Answer 7

there are many errors going on with these checks. there are many who did not receive the right amount and it was said that if there was an error a check will be sent in July to you for the difference

Answer 8

YOU CAN CALL 1-800-829-1040 AND WHEN THE PROMTS COME ON DO NOT PRESS 7 TO BE TRANSFERED YOU WILL NOT GET A LIVE PERSON THAT WAY. PRESS 2 AND THEN AT THE NEXT PROMT PRESS 3. THIS IS WHAT I DID & I GOT THRU BUT WAS ON HOLD FOR 40 MIN.

HOPE YOU GET IT CORRECTED. :)

Answer 9

The IRS is issuing the rebate checks based on the original return.  The typo in the SSN could be enough to prevent you from getting $300 for a child under the age of 17 on the rebate check.  After all, a bad SSN isn't a "valid SSN."

If so, you can make absolutely sure there are no typos in 2008 and get the $300 then.