Gephardt: Yes, You Have To Return Your Deceased Loved Ones’ Stimulus Checks

SANDY, Utah — While many were waiting to get the stimulus checks they deserve, others were getting checks that should not be coming.

Randy Malmstrom got one for her mom just this week. But there’s one big problem.

“She died nearly two years ago,” said Malmstrom.

At first, she thought maybe she had made a mistake and failed to notify the government of her mother’s passing. But upon closer examination of the check, you can see “DECD” after her mother’s name.

“I’m assuming that stands for deceased,” said Malmstrom.

Malmstrom’s email to the KSL Investigators was one of several, all saying the same thing: they received stimulus checks for dead loved ones.

When we reached out to the IRS about the checks — and more importantly what to do with them — they didn’t have many answers.

In a statement, their spokesperson said, “Federal law prevents IRS from commenting or confirming correspondence with any taxpayer or case,” and added they are “very aware of the deceased issue.” The IRS encouraged us to reach out to the U.S. Treasury.

A spokesperson for the Treasury Department told us by email that yes, you must return the money: “payment made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS.”

We asked both the IRS and Treasury Department how much money was sent to deceased persons, but they did not answer that question. They did send directions on how to return the money.

Q. Does someone who has died qualify for the payment?

A. No. A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS by following the (below) instructions. Return the entire payment unless the payment was made to joint filers and one spouse had not died before receipt of the Payment, in which case, you only need to return the portion of the payment made on account of the decedent. This amount will be $1,200 unless adjusted gross income exceeded $150,000.

Q. What should I do to return an Economic Impact Payment (EIP)?

A. You should return the payment as described below.

If the payment was a paper check:

1. Write “Void” in the endorsement section on the back of the check.
2. Mail the voided Treasury check immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
3. Don’t staple, bend, or paper clip the check.
4. 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:

1. Submit a personal check, money order, etc., immediately to the appropriate IRS location
   listed below.
2. 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.
3. Include a brief explanation of the reason for returning the EIP.
4. For your paper check, here are the IRS mailing addresses to use based on the state:

Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont

Andover Refund Inquiry Unit
1310 Lowell St Mail
Stop 666A
Andover, MA 01810

Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia

Atlanta Refund Inquiry Unit
4800 Buford Hwy
Mail Stop 112
Chamblee, GA 30341

Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas

Austin Refund Inquiry Unit
3651 S Interregional Hwy 35
Mail Stop 6542
Austin, TX 78741

New York

Brookhaven Refund Inquiry Unit
5000 Corporate Ct.
Mail Stop 547
Holtsville, NY 11742

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Fresno Refund Inquiry Unit
5045 E Butler Avenue
Mail Stop B2007
Fresno, CA 93888

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia

Kansas City Refund Inquiry Unit
333 W Pershing Rd
Mail Stop 6800, N-2
Kansas City, MO 64108

Alabama, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee

Memphis Refund Inquiry Unit
5333 Getwell Rd Mail
Stop 8422
Memphis, TN 38118

District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island

Philadelphia Refund Inquiry Unit
2970 Market St
DP 3-L08-151
Philadelphia, PA 19104

A foreign country, U.S. possession or territory, or use an APO or FPO address, or file Form 2555 or 4563, or are a dual status alien

Austin Refund Inquiry Unit
3651 S Interregional Hwy 35
Mail Stop 6542 AUSC
Austin, TX 78741

Have you experienced something you think just isn’t right? The KSL Investigators want to help. Submit your tip at investigates@ksl.com or 385-707-6153 so we can get working for you.