H&R Block Customers: Unsure Where Your Stimulus Money Is? We’re Here to Help

Rhea-AI Summary

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 04, 2021 – Millions of Americans will receive their second stimulus payment starting January 4, as announced by the IRS. Payments will be processed mainly via direct deposit or through checks and debit cards for those without bank accounts. H&R Block is poised to assist customers with available tools and expert help. Notably, issues like payments sent to closed accounts may result in checks being mailed instead. The IRS Get My Payment website will help track the payment status, and H&R Block provides resources for potential claims during tax filing.

Positive

• H&R Block offers tools and expert assistance to help customers navigate the stimulus payment process.
• Less than 1% of second stimulus payments processed were returned to the IRS due to account issues.

Negative

• Increased wait times for customer service may frustrate clients seeking assistance.
• Payments sent to closed accounts may delay receipt for some customers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, millions of Americans will receive a second stimulus payment as the IRS set January 4 as the official payment date of all direct deposits for stimulus money. The IRS has shared that most people will receive their second stimulus payment as a direct deposit. However, if not, people will receive their second stimulus payment in the mail as either a check or U.S. Treasury debit card, likely by the end of January.

In addition, the IRS Get My Payment website will go live soon, allowing people to look up where their second stimulus payment has been sent. As people search for answers about their second stimulus payment, H&R Block has tools and live expert help to assist its customers.

“The second stimulus payment will provide much-needed relief to people,” said Tony Bowen, H&R Block Chief Financial Officer. “We have automated tools and experts standing by ready to help our customers.”

Information to help track a stimulus check includes:

• Many second stimulus payments were deposited on Emerald Cards. All second stimulus payments that H&R Block was able to process were immediately deposited on to H&R Block’s Emerald Prepaid Mastercard^® or to customers’ bank accounts, depending upon how 2019 tax refunds were received. Emerald Card customers can call 1-866-353-1266 and receive stimulus payment information by entering the last four digits of their Emerald Card account. All other customers can call 1-800-HRBLOCK and by using a Social Security number, may be able to receive automated second stimulus payment information.
  
  
• You may not recognize an account number. If the IRS Get My Payment website displays an account number a customer doesn’t recognize, H&R Block customer service agents are ready to help and may be able to provide additional information.
  
  
• Wait times may be long. This week, customers may experience increased wait times to speak with an H&R Block customer service agent. Questions may also be sent via Twitter to @HRBlockAnswers, but customers should not include personal information in these questions.
  
  
• Some second stimulus payments were returned to the IRS. All financial institutions are required to return second stimulus payments in certain circumstances, such as when they are sent to a closed account. In these cases, payments were returned to the IRS and a check is likely to be sent by the IRS. This affected less than 1% of second stimulus payments processed by H&R Block.
  
  
• Changes can be reconciled at tax time. For those who did not receive the first stimulus payment, believe they did not receive their full stimulus payment amount, or had changes in their circumstances, such as the birth of a baby, a Recovery Rebate Credit can be claimed when 2020 taxes are filed this year. Save any letters received from the IRS about stimulus checks. At tax time, H&R Block tax pros can help people claim any possible additional stimulus payments when filing a 2020 tax return.

To estimate a second stimulus payment, visit hrblock.com/stimulus and for additional second stimulus details and frequently asked questions visit the H&R Block Coronavirus Resource Hub at hrblock.com/tax-center/coronavirus-tax-impact.

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation, financial products, and small business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with the human expertise and care of its associates and franchisees as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time, and better manage and access their money year-round. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small business owners thrive with disruptive products like Wave Money, a small business banking and bookkeeping solution, and the only business bank account to manage bookkeeping automatically. For more information, visit H&R Block News or follow @HRBlockNews on Twitter.

For further information
Investor Relations:  Colby Brown  |  816-854-4559  |  colby.brown@hrblock.com
Media Relations:  Angela Davied  |  ­­816-854-5798  |  angela.davied@hrblock.com 

FAQ

What date will the second stimulus payments be deposited for HRB customers?

Second stimulus payments will be deposited starting January 4, 2021.

How can I track my second stimulus payment if I use H&R Block?

You can track your payment using the IRS Get My Payment website or contact H&R Block customer service for assistance.

What should I do if my second stimulus payment was returned to the IRS?

If your payment was returned due to a closed account, the IRS will likely send a check instead.

How can I get help with my second stimulus payment through H&R Block?

H&R Block provides automated tools and access to experts for assistance with stimulus payments.

Can I claim additional stimulus payments during tax filing with HRB?

Yes, you can claim potential additional stimulus payments using the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing your 2020 taxes.