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As part of the 2020 CARES Act passed by Congress during the Coronavirus pandemic, stimulus payments went to millions of Americans. Due to the expeditious policy of issuing money directly to Americans, the IRS was left with major problem when payments were made to deceased Americans. For weeks the Treasury Secretary opined in meetings with the press that these payments had to be returned; however, the IRS issued no such guidance on how to accomplish check or direct deposit returns until recently.
On May 6, 2020, the IRS put forth guidelines for handling payments received on behalf of a deceased taxpayer under the Economic Impact Payment FAQ's. Our office has been advising clients to hold onto the checks or to not disturb/move/use any money if the payment was direct deposited as things have been changing rapidly and until we know this is a final guideline, it's best to wait.
If a paper check was issued:
Write "Void" in the endorsement section on the back of the check.
Mail the voided Treasury check immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
Don't staple, bend, or paper clip the check.
Include a note stating the reason for returning the check.
If the payment was a paper check and you have cashed it, or if the payment was a direct deposit:
Submit a personal check, money order, etc., immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
Write on the check/money order made payable to “U.S. Treasury” and write 2020EIP, and the taxpayer identification number (social security number, or individual taxpayer identification number) of the recipient of the check.
Include a brief explanation of the reason for returning the EIP.
For Ohio residents, checks should be mailed to:
Kansas City Refund Inquiry Unit 333 W Pershing Rd Mail Stop 6800, N-2 Kansas City, MO 64108
Please understand this only payments made to, or on behalf of, a deceased individual. We will continue to monitor the situation and if anything changes keep you up to date.