If the raging pandemic is making you worry that your finances might not make it up to the end of the year, do not fret. The government is doing everything it can to help. 

If your first stimulus check has ran out and your second stimulus check has not arrived (or worse, both never arrived) despite meeting the eligibility criteria, know that it is possible to speed up the process by getting the assistance of the Recovery Rebate Credit.

At the very least, you will realize eventually that it may only have something to do with problems with the U.S. Postal Service, which 8 On Your Side has reported.

READ MORE: India Stocks to Monitor: RIL, UtraTech Cement, YES Bank, Grasim and More

It's still possible for you to claim the money you are entitled to, as long as you file your 2020 tax return through the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit. Here's a step-by-step guide for you to get your missing money on your 2020 return, as detailed by CNET. 

Do It Now

(Photo : Alexander Mils/Unsplash)
Second Stimulus Checks: Are You One of Those People Who Might Get More Money?

It's important that you get your paperwork done before the IRS starts processing returns on February 12, which is already a few weeks away. As an added measure, sign up for a direct deposit already if you still do not have one. 

Know that There Won't be a Separate Check

This can help you retrieve your missing money, but this credit does not mean you will get a separate check. Instead, the size of your total tax refund will increase, or the taxes you owe will become smaller. Even if you do not necessarily have to file for taxes in case you are retired or on either SSI or SSDI, remember that you still have to file a 2020 tax return to get the missing stimulums payment. 

Confirm Payment Status Online through the IRS

After getting these preliminary steps out, confirm your payment status online through the IRS. Once you notice a confusing message, and there appears to be an error, this is a sign that you are a candidate for the missing check. 

FIll Out the Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR

Even though the IRS does not have a standard procedure that can be applicable to every taxpayers' personal situation, the agency does confirm that that those who file taxes can use the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2020 For 1040 or Form 1040-SR for possible catch-up payments. A Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet will also be provided to calculate how much is still owed you.

Look for Notice 1444

When you start filing for the partial check rebate, you will have to have in your hands the amount calculated by the IRS from the letter that the IRS has sent to confirm your payment. This is the Notice 1444 for the first, and Notice 1444-B for the second payment. 

Once you file for the credit, and it turns out that you are indeed, owed money, you can see the amount of your tax refund increased or your tax obligation lowered. IN any case, it's a winning situation, and this corresponds to the missing money you were eligible to receive. 

READ MORE: Stock Market Overheating? Signs Suggest S&P 500 Trouble on the Way