Coronavirus stimulus checks begin arriving via direct deposit

In this March 27, 2020 file photo, President Donald Trump signs the coronavirus stimulus relief package, at the White House in Washington. Beginning this month, Americans will see financial relief checks from the federal government’s $2 trillion stimulus plan flow into their bank accounts to assist them during the COVID-19 outbreak.(Evan Vucci/AP)

Eligible Americans have begun receiving their coronavirus stimulus checks via direct deposit, according to the Treasury Department.

“#IRS deposited the first Economic Impact Payments into taxpayers’ bank accounts today. We know many people are anxious to get their payments; we’ll continue issuing them as fast as we can,” the IRS wrote Saturday on Twitter.

“Millions more Economic Impact Payments will be issued via direct deposit in the weeks ahead as we issue payments to social security recipients and as other taxpayers provide banking information on the tools provided,” a statement from the department said. “We are working to secure the fast, secure and efficient delivery of payments to veterans, disabled, and other vulnerable populations.”

Payments, to Americans who received their 2018 or 2019 tax returns via direct deposit, should be received by April 15, the department said.

People who haven’t filed taxes are being directed to a page on the IRS website where they can enter account information and receive their stimulus check via direct deposit.

The Treasury Department will send paper checks to the last known address of anyone who doesn’t submit direct deposit information, but those could take weeks or even months to arrive.

The IRS is also planning to launch an app, similar to its Where’s My Refund portal, which will allow recipients to track their stimulus check and how it will arrive.

Almost 17 million people have applied for unemployment insurance since the $2 trillion CARES Act was passed. Congress is expected to return from recess later in April and begin crafting a followup relief bill that could see additional stimulus money sent to the public.