If you received only half of the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) you are eligible for, the second half may be issued separately. For married taxpayers who file a joint tax return, it is common to receive the third payment in two separate installments. One half may be deposited directly into your bank account, while the other half may be mailed to the address on file with the IRS, which is typically the address on your most recent tax return or updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The second half of the payment could arrive within the same week as the first half or within a few weeks thereafter. To check the status of your payments, each taxpayer listed on the joint return should use the "Get My Payment" tool on the IRS website, entering their own Social Security number to see the status of their respective payments.
If you do not receive the full amount you believe you are entitled to, you may be able to claim the additional amount when you file your 2020 federal income tax return by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit, if eligible.
Sources:
Publication 5420-A (10/2020)
Publication 1136 (2024)
Publication 5412-F (5/2020)
Publication 5412-U (9/2020)
Publication 5412-W (9/2020)
