Millions of Americans were expecting to receive their $3,400 stimulus payments this month, but many are still left checking their bank accounts and mailboxes with no updates. While the government has confirmed that the payments have been processed, delays have been reported across several states, leaving recipients wondering what’s causing the holdup.
The IRS has cited a number of reasons behind the delay. These include outdated banking information, errors in tax filings, mailing address mismatches, or additional identity verification requirements. In some cases, recipients may also fall into review categories if they recently filed amended tax returns or claimed new dependents.
If you haven’t received your stimulus yet, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to check your status and make any necessary corrections.
What’s Causing the Delay?
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Bank account changes since your last tax return.
- Pending tax return reviews or errors in filings.
- Paper checks returned or lost due to outdated mailing addresses.
- Additional income verification for individuals with mixed earnings (such as self-employment).
- Fraud prevention protocols that flag certain accounts for manual review.
Table – Common Reasons for Stimulus Delays
| Delay Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Banking Info Outdated | Direct deposit failed due to closed or changed accounts |
| Address Change Not Updated | Paper checks sent to an old or incorrect mailing address |
| Tax Return Error or Amendment | Payments paused due to incorrect or recently amended tax information |
| Identity Verification Flag | IRS requiring extra steps to confirm identity before releasing payment |
| Backend System Processing | High volume slowing down the release and delivery of stimulus funds |
While delays in the $3,400 stimulus payments are frustrating, most issues can be resolved with a few steps. Visit the IRS “Get My Payment” portal to check your status, update any outdated info, and ensure your payment is on track. Acting quickly can help you avoid further delays and receive the funds you’re entitled to.
