Some Iowans have opened their mailboxes lately to find a -second- economic stimulus package check from the federal government. If you’re among the 1,500 or so Americans who got two checks, I.R.S. spokeswoman Kari Miller says, sorry, but you can’t keep them both.
Miller says: "You do need to return one to the I.R.S.. If you received it via direct deposit, you need to work with your bank. They will know the proper procedures for returning the money." Of the many millions of checks issued, Miller says only a few hundred were accidentally issued twice.
"They are most likely isolated instances. The I.R.S. is not aware of systemic problems," she says. In the coming several weeks, some Iowans will be getting a second check — but those are going to be clearly explained with a letter and she says those you’ll be able to cash.
Miller says, "In July, the I.R.S. will be sending valid supplemental stimulus payments to some taxpayers with children who initially filed returns that didn’t properly capture information about their children." Miller says there are 350,000 individuals nationwide who will soon be receiving a second check.
For Iowans who think an error was made, contact the I.R.S. If you have not yet received a stimulus check, be patient. Millions still have not yet been mailed.