Economic Stimulus

In February, Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which created a one-time payment up to $600 for individuals or up to $1,200 for joint filers that the IRS has begun to send out to more than 130 million American households. Even though the April 15th income tax return filing deadline has passed, there is still time for retirees, disabled veterans and others who normally do not file a tax return to submit a 2007 form to receive an economic stimulus payment. Eligible individuals must file a tax return form for 2007 before the October 15th deadline showing at least $3,000 in qualifying income from Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits and/or earned income.

If you filed before April 15th, below is the schedule of when to expect your paper check in the mail:

If the last two digits of your SSN are: Your payment will be mailed no later than (and received a few days after):
00 through 09 May 16
10 through 18 May 23
19 through 25 May 30
26 through 38 June 6
39 through 51 June 13
52 through 63 June 20
64 through 75 June 27
76 through 87 July 4
88 through 99 July 11

If you filed before April 15th and had direct deposit, you should have received your payment in mid-May 2008.

If you filed after April 15th, it will take a minimum of six weeks after you file your return to get your stimulus payment.

Beware Scam Artists Are Calling Taxpayers about the Stimulus Payments

If someone claiming to be from the IRS calls or e-mails you about the payments and asks for a Social Security, bank account or credit card number, it is likely a scam. Scammers are trying to get your personal and financial information so they can empty bank accounts, run up charges on credit cards and more. The IRS only uses your 1040 form to calculate and distribute your payment.

If you have any questions about your payment, please call the toll-free IRS Rebate Hotline at 1-866-234-2942.