Tulsa World, Okla., Action Line column Track stimulus payment online

Phil Mulkins

Jul. 4, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Dear Action Line: May 9 and 16 were listed by the IRS schedule as the dates our stimulus check should have been direct-deposited, based on our Social Security numbers. As that has not happened, I am asking for your help. We spoke briefly on the phone and you asked for our Social Security numbers, saying you could get on the IRS Internet site and find out what is up with our $600. We're almost at the end of our six-week waiting period and feel like we've fallen through the cracks at the IRS. -- D.W., Tulsa.

We received your Social Security numbers by mail and called you for two other pieces of information required by the Internal Revenue Service Web site search feature "Where's my stimulus payment?" at www.tulsaworld.com/wherestimpay. To make the thing search for the status of your payment, you must type in the Social Security number of the first person listed on the return, your filing status (single or married filing jointly) and the number of exemptions you claimed on your income tax return.

We typed all that into the search feature and instantly received the following: "Your total stimulus payment was calculated as $600 and consists of the following: Basic Amount:

$600, Qualifying Child Amount: $0.00 (Based on 0 qualifying children). Your payment of $600 is scheduled to be mailed June 27.

"If you do not receive the check by July 25, please contact us again. For information about how to file a claim because you have not received your check, or it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, please continue. If you have questions or need additional information, please have the following on hand when you call: a copy of this page, the Social Security number, filing status and total exemptions claimed on your 2007 tax return. Tell the representative you would like to file a claim." The response also lists a reference number and toll-free and TTY/TDD numbers to call.

We called you Friday to tell you your check was being mailed that same day, and you e-mailed us Monday to report: "Dear Phil -- The check is in the mail indeed! Talk about Action -- our stimulus check arrived in our mail a few minutes ago! What a relief to have that settled. When the federal government messes up, they do it in spades and I didn't want us to be among the many who fall through the cracks on this enormous political plan. You calmed our anxiety by taking a personal interest in our problem.

Thank you so much. Happy Fourth of July!" -- D.W. and G.N.W., Tulsa.

Submit Action Line questions by calling 699-8888 or by e-mailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by U.S. mailing it to Tulsa World Consumer, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0205-26445977