Sch M "economic recovery payment in 2010"?

[AZ-Tax]

Upon asking the client, they dont have a clue if and when they received a "economic recovery payment in 2010". On there 2009 Sch M, line 10 is marked "NO" for they did NOT receive a "economic recovery payment in 2009". So the question on the 2010 tax return is "Economic recovery payment received in 2010?"

[Gary2]

How quickly we forget.

The IRS used to have a web tool for checking, but it was taken down after the filing season for 2010. They now advise contacting the SSA, VA, or RRB directly, as appropriate.

And therein is the quick answer. If your client wasn't getting Social Security (retirement or disability), SSI, VA benefits, or Railroad Retirement Benefits, then the answer is no. Otherwise you'll need to contact the appropriate agency to determine the amount (or assume it was the max of $250, which is what almost everyone got, if they got any).

[appelman]

You could also just put no.

If you e-file, and you're wrong, it will reject. If you file on paper, the IRS will sort it out.