Do I have a tale to tell you.
While I often defer writing a column unless applicable, I thought I would offer you a lighthearted look into what happens when you cannot see the future.
The decision to give Americans an economic stimulus payment made many hearts leap for joy. In these trying times – a phrase I am certain we are all growing tired of hearing – it was a slight comfort to know that help was on the way, as many people have truly been economically pained by this worldwide pandemic.
However, the air of mystery surrounding the method of fiscal delivery lingered. When would we get it? How much would everyone get?
These answers came in time, and I could not help but chuckle when the announcement was made that the first wave of payments would be direct-deposited into bank accounts Wednesday, April 15.
April 15. Tax Day. Ha!
This is where my dilemma comes in. April 15 came. April 15 went. No payment.
I started checking the IRS’s “Get My Stimulus Check” website daily. “No records found,” I was told. I checked my status as a U.S. citizen and verified that. Then I looked into finding out my true identity and, yep, still me.
But here is where the federal government got the last laugh. The bank account used to deposit funds is the one the IRS had on file. From your last tax return. Uh-oh.
You see, dear readers, I had my accountant file my tax return several days before April 15, but it had not been processed right away. To make a long story really short, I had the unmitigated audacity to switch banks in between return filings.
So when I opted to enter my old address on the “Get my Stimulus Check” page, alas, there was my money.
In another bank account. A closed bank account.
Skipping ahead, the IRS finally caught up to technology and issued a paper check, which shockingly arrived faster in the mail than a Mother’s Day card. I feverishly logged onto the mobile banking app for my new institution – only to discover that my stimulus check was more than my daily mobile deposit amount.
Technology joined the feds in getting the last laugh. And yet, I find it hard to conjure even the smallest “tee-hee” over all this.
In short, my bank account received an injection about three weeks after everyone had either responsibly paid their bills with the infusion of cash or foolishly spent it on non-essential (another term I am certain is growing tiresome) items.
Is there a moral to this column? A lesson to be learned?
Absolutely. The next time you want to switch bank accounts, make sure you have the foresight to know that a worldwide pandemic will affect your status on the IRS food chain.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached by phone, 479-3383 and by email, editor@grahamstar.com.