Tax Tips: Why you might not have gotten your economic stimulus check yet

The Internal Revenue Service has put out some helpful tips for those who are still waiting to receive their economic stimulus checks. There are tons of reasons why you might not have gotten yours yet, and it's a safe bet that no one really knows how long it will take for you to get it.

But the IRS was kind enough to point out a few of the most common reasons why taxpayers haven't received their checks. See if you fall under one of these:

• You filed your tax return more than once because you thought that would help. (No, it just makes things worse and delays your payment even more while the IRS figures out why you filed twice.)

• You listed an incorrect amount of income. (Some taxpayers stated their monthly income on their tax returns, while the economic stimulus payments are based on your annual income.)
• You owe money. (If you owed and didn't pay, that money will get taken out of your check, but will also likely delay the issuance of that check.)
• You filed an amended return. (It's going to take the IRS some time to process that amended return.)
• You didn't notify the IRS of your current address. (It's the taxpayer's responsibility to keep their address updated.)

If you're still wondering why you didn't receive a check, the IRS website has a "Where's My Economic Stimulus Payment?" tool that you can use. Be prepared to enter your Social Security number and some information from your tax return. And if you're still confused? Call the IRS.

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.