Net Gains: Getting Your Rebate Fast
The two steps you can take to ensure you get your payment as soon as possible.
Feb. 20, 2008 — -- One week after President Bush signed a $152 billion economic stimulus package, millions of Americans have one question in mind: When do I get my money?
The short answer: Sometime after early May.
You can expect more details soon from the Internal Revenue Service on the distribution of tax rebates to some 130 million taxpayers. In the meantime, there are two steps you can take to ensure you receive your payment as early as possible.
First, file your 2007 federal income tax return on time. Second, on that return, arrange for direct deposit on any refund you're due to receive.
"This year, perhaps more than ever, it's important for taxpayers to elect a direct-deposit option," acting IRS Commissioner Linda Stiff said last week. "This will speed up not only getting their refunds but also speed the receiving of their stimulus payments."
Stiff and the IRS provided early information on the delivery of the payments after Bush signed the bill last Wednesday that was meant to give the U.S. economy a boost by putting cash in the hands of low- and middle-income Americans.
The one step that must be taken by every eligible recipient is to file a 2007 tax return. That includes those who did not earn enough income to owe any tax. Without a tax return -- and without a valid Social Security number -- there will be no payment.
For most taxpayers, filing a return will be enough. Some, however, will need to take additional steps.
Stiff said the distribution will start in early May, with most recipients receiving their payments by summer. Beware, however, those who request an extension and file returns after April 15 may not receive their tax rebates until late in the year.
For those who somehow missed the news, let me step back and explain the details of the tax rebates program.
The bill passed by Congress and signed by the president calls for payments of up to $600 for single individuals and up to $1,200 for married couples.
Taxpayers who owe less than that on their 2007 income would receive smaller amounts equal to their tax liabilities. At the lowest income levels, taxpayers will receive minimum payments of $300 for singles and $600 for married couples for those who received at least $3,000 in earned income, Social Security benefits or veterans' benefits last year.
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