how to decline the recovery rebate credit

[johalloran23]

it wants me to take the credit, but after speaking with someone at the IRS I was advised to not take the credit. there is a problem with them having sent out the rebate to my old address and I haven't received it yet.

there doesn't seem to be an option for declining the credit. I don't want to select that I have received it when I have not.

what do I do?

[JotikaT2]

In the Federal section, select the Federal Review interview section at the top of the screen.

This will take you to the input section for the Recovery Rebate credit.

Be sure to indicate the actual amount of each stimulus payment you received on the page that asks if you received a stimulus payment. 

There will be two boxes and both need to be completed as if you did receive the stimulus payments to ensure the credit is not reflected on your tax return. 

Please see the link below to determine the applicable amount of the credit you should have received.

Stimulus payment amounts

[johalloran23]

I don't understand. I did NOT get the money but I don't want the credit. I don't want to say that I received the money when I didn't.

is there no other way to not take the credit?

[Opus 17]

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@johalloran23 wrote:

I don't understand. I did NOT get the money but I don't want the credit. I don't want to say that I received the money when I didn't.

is there no other way to not take the credit?

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In your case, you would indicate that you "received" the amount that was sent to you, even though you did not receive it physically.  Otherwise, the IRS will correct your return and take it off, which will delay your refund.

Meanwhile, I assume you have placed a trace on the missing check?

https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/refund-inquiries/refund-inquiries-0