Stimulus Checks to Deceased Individuals Must be Returned

Many Americans have received their Economic Impact Payments (Payments) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) including some deceased individuals. There has been confusion surrounding these checks and direct deposits and whether they need to be returned. Today, the IRS clarified that anyone that died before receiving payment is not entitled the payment and it must be returned. The IRS also included instructions on how to return the payment. Physical checks should be labeled “Void” and returned to the Treasury. If the paper check was cashed or if the payment was received via direct deposit a personal check should be sent to the Treasury.

The updates can be found on the IRS website under the Economic Impact Payment Information Center.