Matsui Demands Department of Treasury and IRS Take Action to Ensure All Eligible Recipients Receive Economic Impact Payments

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig, requesting immediate action to ensure that all eligible residents of California's 6th Congressional District receive their economic impact payments (EIP).

As part of the CARES Act, Congress approved an EIP to American households of up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000 (or $198,000 for joint filers) and $500 per child under 17 years old or up to $3,400 for a family of four. For those who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, the payments should have been received automatically. For others, additional information was required through an online portal the IRS created.

Unfortunately, for weeks, many constituents from Sacramento have used the appropriate channels to inquire about the status of these payments. Those inquiries have been ignored. Congresswoman Matsui is urging swift action by the IRS to make sure that these payments are received immediately.

The full text of the letter is below and here:

Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig:

I write today to request that you take immediate action to ensure all residents of California's 6th Congressional District that are eligible for economic impact payments (EIP) have received them. In June, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that "payments have been sent to all eligible Americans for whom the IRS has the necessary information to make a payment." Despite this, I have heard from several eligible constituents that they have still not received their EIP. Given the ongoing effects of COVID-19, many Americans are in desperate need of financial support and it is imperative that these payments are received as soon as possible.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided a one-time EIP to eligible recipients of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples. Those who filed taxes in 2018 or 2019 and provided the IRS with direct deposit information should have received payments automatically. However, for many Americans, additional information was required through the IRS's online tool. In both cases, I have heard from constituents who satisfy the income criteria, and have taken all necessary steps, that they have not received their EIP.

Congress intended for these payments to help those affected by COVID-19 afford basic necessities like food, rent, and medications. Given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the significance of these payments cannot be overstated. Until every single eligible American has received their EIP in full, I believe your ongoing involvement is required. I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

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