Understanding When Your Coronavirus Relief Check Will Arrive

As I write this, many individuals in New Jersey, and across the United States, are eagerly awaiting their coronavirus relief checks. It's important to understand the process and the factors that can impact the timeline of your check's arrival. If you haven't received your check and are concerned, stay tuned for the detailed information below.

Overview of the Process

The IRS began sending out coronavirus relief checks in April 2020, with more than 150 million checks sent out as of early May. These checks were mailed to taxpayers' listed addresses, with paper checks being the slower option compared to electronic transfers or direct deposit. If you provided a correct address that isn't a post office box, it's likely that your check will arrive in the mail within a month or so. However, the exact timeline can vary due to several factors.

The Role of the USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) plays a crucial role in delivering these checks. The speed at which your check arrives depends on several factors, including:

The origin of your check. Not all checks are mailed from Washington, DC; they may be sent from various locations close to the recipients. The recipient's address. Your location and how far it is from major hubs can affect delivery times.

For example, if you live in a town near San Francisco, it's likely that a check sent from the East Coast would take longer than one sent from California. Once the check arrives at a major hub like San Francisco International Airport (SFO), it's sorted and delivered to your local post office.

Expected Arrival Times

Assuming your check has already been mailed and you have a correct address, it should reach you within 5 to 7 business days. However, this can vary based on the specific circumstances mentioned above. If you provided an address that isn't a post office box, it's possible that it could take up to three weeks for the check to arrive.

It's worth noting that as of May 6, 2020, the IRS has already sent many checks. While it might be a bit late in some cases, especially if you recently moved or provided incorrect information, the checks should still be on their way. By May 9, it's likely that most people should have received their checks, although there may still be some delays in remote or rural areas.

Security and Delivery

While the prospect of mail theft can be concerning, especially for checks sent to people with curbside mailboxes, there haven't been widespread reports of this happening. If your mailbox is properly secured, your check should arrive safely. If you haven't heard from the IRS by late this week, it's recommended to check the status of your refund or contact the IRS directly.

In conclusion, while the process of receiving your coronavirus relief check may be a bit slower than you'd like, the IRS and USPS are working diligently to ensure that as many checks as possible reach their intended recipients. Patience and regular checks on your refund status should help you stay informed and prepared.

Key Points:

Check mailed by the IRS and delivered by the USPS. Expected delivery time between 5 to 7 business days, but can vary. Checks are prioritized based on the recipient's address and the origin of the check. Security measures are in place for mail delivery.

For further assistance, you can contact the IRS directly or check the status of your refund online.