Money COVID-19 stimulus checks: Millions face tax refund delays as first batch of $1,400 relief payments roll out March 15, 2021 Jessica Menton, USA TODAY Comments Off on COVID-19 stimulus checks: Millions face tax refund delays as first batch of $1,400 relief payments roll out Nearly 7 million Americans face significant refund delays this tax season as the IRS rushes to send out stimulus checks.