Returning an Economic Impact Payment

There are several reasons why a payment should be returned. If in doubt as to whether or not it should have been received, contact a tax professional.

When returning a paper check that was not cashed or deposited taxpayers should:

? Write Void in the endorsement section on the back of the check.

? Mail the voided Treasury check immediately to the appropriate IRS location.

? Don't staple, bend or paper clip the check.

? Include a brief explanation of why they return the check.

When returning a direct deposit or a paper check that was cashed or deposited taxpayers should:

? Mail a personal check, money order, etc., to the appropriate IRS location.

? Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Treasury and write 2020 EIP, and the taxpayer identification number, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number of the person whose name is on the check.

? Include a brief explanation of why they are returning the Economic Impact Payment.

When returning a payment for someone who has died:

A payment made to someone who died before they received the payment should be returned to the IRS. Return the entire payment unless it was made to joint filers and one spouse is still living. In that case, return half the payment, but not more than $1,200. 

If someone can’t deposit a check because it was issued to both spouses and one spouse has died, the individual should return the check. Once the IRS receives and processes the returned payment, an Economic Impact Payment will be reissued to the surviving spouse.