In order to deliver money as quickly as possible to those who need it, the IRS is sending stimulus payments to eligible taxpayers who filed a tax return in either 2019 or 2018 and chose to receive their refund via direct deposit into their checking account. These taxpayers will automatically have their stimulus payment deposited into the account they received their refund.
We have not yet received confirmation from the IRS on whether they will be putting stimulus payments on prepaid debit cards. However, we have noticed that the IRS has started depositing stimulus payments on some prepaid debit cards for taxpayers that chose to receive their refund through that method in tax year 2019 or 2018. If you received your refund on a prepaid debit card in tax year 2019 or 2018, here is what you need to know:
I don’t have access to my debit card: If you received a notification that you will be receiving your stimulus payment from the IRS on your prepaid debit card and no longer have access to it, we will have information coming shortly. We encourage you to visit this site, where we are continually updating with the latest information and guidance. We know everyone is anxious to get their stimulus money and we are committed to helping our customers get access to their stimulus payment as fast as possible.
In other news, since employees/"experts" are copy/pasting the same responses that they have all day, no; from a view of the forum and the Facebook boards, no one who had their refund placed upon their TurboTax card has received a stimulus payment yet. However, there are a LOT of anecdotes of Iphone users receiving notifications on Monday stating that there was a pending deposit for 4/15. Beyond that, no one is really sure; in theory, there really shouldn't be any reason that the deposit wouldn't be made, assuming a valid account and routing # were given on page 2 of your 1040. The TurboTax card isn't a one-time "temporary" account; it can (and is by myself and others) by used for direct deposit of your paycheck and other deposits.
The answer is that while we have seen the IRS depositing some stimulus payments on prepaid debit cards for taxpayers that chose to receive their refund through that method in tax year 2019 or 2018, all payments are definitely not finished.
Be very careful what texts/emails you answer. Sadly, there are bad people wanting to steal taxpayer information by posing as official resources.
Please click the links below for more information: What to do if you suspect tax-related identity theft
Avoid phishing scams and spoofed sites
If needed, you can go to IRS Identity Verification Service for online support. It does not require you to call so it is your best option right now if you need it.
The IRS at Economic Impact Payment Information Center will soon be releasing a portal where people can check and/or update their direct deposit details. But, it is not yet fully operational. It is noted there as of April 14, 2020 at 3:40 PM PST as: "Get My Payment (coming mid-April)."
While it understandable to want answers more promptly, trust that the most up to date and most reliable guidance currently available is at:
TurboTax Corona Virus Tax Center Updates