There has been a lot of talk recently about how economic stimulus checks are being issued to deceased taxpayers. If your deceased relative received a check, what should you do with it? The IRS released some additional FAQs today on their website that address this issue:
Q10. Does someone who has died qualify for the Payment?
A10. No. A Payment made to someone who died before receipt of the Payment should be returned to the IRS by following the instructions about repayments. Return the entire Payment unless the Payment was made to joint filers and one spouse had not died before receipt of the Payment, in which case, you only need to return the portion of the Payment made on account of the decedent. This amount will be $1,200 unless adjusted gross income exceeded $150,000.
Q41. What should I do to return an Economic Impact Payment (EIP)?
A.41. You should return the payment as described below.
If the payment was a paper check:
- Write “Void” in the endorsement section on the back of the check.
- Mail the voided Treasury check immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
- Don’t staple, bend, or paper clip the check.
- Include a note stating the reason for returning the check.
If the payment was a paper check and you have cashed it, or if the payment was a direct deposit:
- Submit a personal check, money order, etc., immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
- Write on the check/money order made payable to “U.S. Treasury” and write 2020EIP, and the taxpayer identification number (social security number, or individual taxpayer identification number) of the recipient of the check.
- Include a brief explanation of the reason for returning the EIP.
There are different mailing addresses for various states, so you can visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center#more to find out where the payment should be mailed.
