2nd stimulus direct deposit portal now open

The CNMI stimulus web portal is now open to receive banking information for direct deposit of the Second Economic Impact Payments, better known as the second stimulus checks

The Department of Finance opened over the weekend the second stimulus direct deposit portal, stimulus.dof.gov.mp, which means that those who register on the portal may start getting their money by this week. The portal allows an eligible person to register to receive his/her federal stimulus payment directly in his/her bank account via bank deposit, known as Automated Clearing House.

According to Finance’s website, the CNMI stimulus portal will be open until March 20, 2021.

“You do not need to register to receive a paper check,” Finance said.

All eligible CNMI residents, including SSA/RRB/VA/SSI beneficiaries and taxpayers with no filing requirement, who have filed a 2019 tax return with the CNMI Division of Revenue and Taxation can now apply online for direct deposit at stimulus.dof.gov.mp. 

The Division of Revenue and Taxation is still accepting 2019 tax filings, including those with a non-filing requirement. 

“We want to get these checks out to our people as soon as possible, and the fastest way to do that is to apply for direct deposit. Our residents are advised to provide information from their 2019 tax return forms, as well as their bank routing number and account number. Finance has ensured that the portal is secure and information will be protected,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres in a statement.

Upon entering the web portal, residents will need the following items:

– A copy of your 2019 Tax return 

– Your banking information

“The web portal is only to opt-in to get stimulus by direct deposit. If taxpayers have already registered for direct deposit on the first stimulus checks, they do not need to register again,” said Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig.  “This web portal is for those that got a paper check last time and would like to opt-in for direct deposit for this second stimulus and future stimulus payments. If taxpayers do not opt-in for direct deposit, we will mail paper checks by next Friday.”

Atalig emphasized that the web portal is secure and financial information will be protected.  “The Department of Finance assures the CNMI that all information through the web portal will be secured and confidential. Let’s work together to get everyone the assistance they deserve.”

Residents who do not opt for direct deposit will have their stimulus checks mailed to the address indicated on their return or their last known address.   

If taxpayers have any questions or concerns, they may send an email to info@dof.gov.mp and a response will be sent as soon as possible.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as Finance begins the expeditious release of this next round of stimulus payments for our community,” said Torres. “Our goal is to get these payments out as soon as possible without delays…”

At a radio news briefing Friday, Torres said they are excited to see that second stimulus money rolling into the economy and to the community.

At the same radio briefing, Atalig thanked all taxpayers for their patience as the CNMI finally received approval for the second stimulus implementation plan. “We’re very excited that that was done,” Atalig said.

He said that Finance plans to roll out all the second stimulus checks out—barring any technical issues—by the end of this week.

At the same radio briefing, Division of Revenue and Taxation director Tracy Norita said every eligible individual will get $600, plus each qualifying child.

“The qualification for the child is the same as the child tax credit. And so we use that same requirement,” Norita said.

The director said there is no cap for the number of qualifying children. “The only cap that we have are the income threshold that determine your total amount of your stimulus,” Norita said.

Torres announced last Wednesday that the CNMI 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and Second Economic Impact Payments Plan for $41.3 million has been approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The Division of Revenue and Taxation expects to process nearly 31,000 Second Economic Impact Payments. Eligibility and payment amount will be determined based on the 2019 tax returns.