The federal government is facing some challenges as stimulus checks are reportedly being sent to people who have died.
Some Americans, including a U.S. lawmaker, have taken to Twitter to share details of occurrences involving family members who have died receiving stimulus checks.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) took to Twitter with a screenshot from a friend whose deceased father has received a stimulus payment. He also shared his reaction to the flawed payment system, noting that this may only be the beginning of obstacles the U.S. Treasury may face.
âOk this is insane, but just the tip of the iceberg. This is a direct text to me from a friend. I called to confirm this actually just happened,â Massie tweeted.
Many other Americans have taken to Twitter with details of similar occurrences and asking how to proceed.
âWill they want the $1,200 back?â said a widow who received the $2,400 payment which included $1,200 for her deceased husband.
https://twitter.com/Weezy_Johnston/status/1250461901584244737
https://twitter.com/MsPrincessShann/status/1250485311987232770
According to USA Today, many Americans who filed joint tax returns for 2018 or 2019 will likely receive the $2,400 payment and face no penalty, even if a spouse had died within that time, the outlet cited Nina Olson, who is a former taxpayer advocate for the IRS.
During an interview with USA Today, Olson â founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights â weighed in on the ordeal.
âThat was really consciously written into the law,â Olson said, adding, âItâs rough justice. Theyâre using the data thatâs available to get money into the system. They know in advance that some payments will go out that shouldnât go out.âÂ
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said his office is also looking into the matter.
Despite the seemingly odd occurrence, stimulus checks have been reportedly sent to deceased Americans in the past. In 2009, the Obama administrationâs stimulus package sent more than 70,000 checks to people who had died â over half of which were returned.
