Last week I discussed the IRS website for tracking your CARES Act payment. The site is: www.irs. gov/coronavirus/getmy-payment .

Why haven’t you received payment and why hasn’t the tool told when to expect it?

The IRS has a detailed Frequently Asked Questions page. Visit it for up to date information: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions .

Many folks are confused by the IRS FAQ.

Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit devoted to identity theft, wanted to help. They shared reasons why many haven’t gotten payments yet.

1. YIf you haven’t submitted a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you may need to submit your information to the IRS.

2. You filed taxes with a tax preparation service and got an advance on your return, had your tax preparer deduct their fees from your return, or closed the account since filing your taxes. - If you did any of those things TIME magazine reported that your bank will reject the deposit. If that happens, you’ll get mailed a paper check. The check will be sent to the last address the IRS or USPS has on file. They claim it will go to whichever is most recent.

3. You didn’t get a refund in ‘18 or ‘19. - If you didn’t get a refund in those years, you might still be eligible for a payment. If you didn’t get a direct deposit refund it will come via check.

4. You filed a paper 2019 return. - If you filed a paper tax return this year, you’ll have to wait until IRS processing centers reopen.

5. You owe a private debt collector money. - Do you owe on a private student loan debt, credit card, medical bill or other debt? The CARE Act doesn’t keep private debt collectors from taking your payment. Check with your creditors.

6. You’re the victim of identity theft. - Sadly, if you’re a victim of identity theft your payment might have been intercepted.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has already seen IRS imposter scammers. The IRS is investigating these frauds. To be safe, don’t provide any personal details to anyone who reaches out to you for information.

Next: Don’t be fooled by the scammers. Got a technical question? Email it to me at