The IRS’s new app, “Get My Payment,” is now active. In theory, if you use this app you can update your banking information and check to see when your Recovery Rebate payment will be made. If you need to add or correct direct deposit information, this is where to do so.
But the app had no information for me. I filed my 2018 return timely (I have not yet filed 2019 as I’m waiting on a K-1), and the app returned, “According to information that we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time.” That doesn’t make sense as we qualify based on 2018.
I suspect the issue is that the IRS is, for now, just going through 2019 returns that have been filed and have not yet looked at 2018 returns. This means that those individuals who filed 2018 but not 2019 are looking at having to go back to this website multiple times and/or waiting on IRS guidance on this issue. (The app did work for someone in our office who filed his 2019 return.)
UPDATE #1: The app doesn’t work for some 2019 filers who filed early. It does work for a few who have filed 2018 but not 2019. There appears to be no rhyme or reason for the errors, nor is there an FAQ on this. Basically, the app is great for those who can use it, but it’s causing more questions than answers.
The IRS needs to explain ASAP who can use the app and get information, or when the app will be complete. A bad app is worse than no app.
Tags: 2020.Tax.Season, Get.My.Payment