Just got my check in today! I had to email them a few times to get a response, then they gave me fedex tracking on it lol. I think the more you bother them the better at this point.
As to the taxes part. Technically I think it is taxable, however the check I received says it was for "reimbursement" and not a payout. That makes me think, since when is a reimbursement ever taxed for anything else? I'm not going to pretend that I understand the tax laws and how they apply to this, so do as you best understand or inquire with the professionals if you are concerned.