I’ve written about the economic stimulus rebate program a few times on my site, but I continue to receive a substantial amount of stimulus questions in the comments of the articles I have written and via e-mail. Because I have received a lot of questions, I thought it would be good to put the majority of them in one place so I can refer people to the FAQ section – hopefully helping a lot of people while also reducing my workload.
As a note, I try to respond to every reader e-mail/comment/question, and repeating answers can take up a lot of time! But I love reader comments and questions, so feel free to hit me up! (but if it is regarding the economic stimulus package, check this FAQ section first!).
Keep in mind, this information is gathered primarily from the IRS web page, and I am not a tax professional. So if you are in need of professional tax advice, please consult the IRS or a tax pro. 
What is the economic stimulus package?
The economic stimulus package is a change in the tax code that will eliminate the 10% bracket from 10% to zero for the first $6,000 of taxable income in 2008. But the government decided to do this based on tax filer’s 2007 taxes so they could distribute this money so tax payers would spend it now and (hopefully) boost the economy.
Who is eligible for the rebate?
The economic stimulus rebate check is available to qualifying tax payers, based on IRS calculations. Single tax filers with adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $75,000 and couples filing jointly with AGIs less that $150,000 will qualify for full rebates. Those with AGI levels above the maximum will receive a reduced rebate based on a phase-out schedule.
Persons who do not owe income taxes, but earned at least $3,000 in wages, Social Security benefits, or veterans disability benefits, will get rebate checks of $300 for individuals and $600 for couples.
Who will not receive an economic stimulus check?
You will not receive an economic stimulus rebate in 2008 if:
- Your net income tax liability is zero and your qualifying income is less than $3,000. To determine your qualifying income, add together your wages, net self-employment income, nontaxable combat pay, Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans’ payments.
- You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
- You do not have a valid Social Security Number.
- You are a nonresident alien.
Keep in mind, the calculation will be run again in 2009, so if your situation changes, you may be eligible to receive a rebate at that time.
How much will I receive for the rebate?
Qualifying single filers (AGI less than $75,000) will get rebates of up to $600. Qualifying couples (AGI less than $150,000) will get rebates of up to $1,200, plus $300 per dependent child younger than 17, with no maximum number of eligible children. The rebate starts out at $300 per person, but rises to $600 per person to match the taxes you will pay based on your 2007 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Your AGI is generally lower than your salary, and is based on your earnings after tax deductions such as 401(k) and Traditional IRA investments and other qualified deductions. However, if you earn above a set limit, you may receive less than $600. The tax rebate decreases by $50 for every $1,000 earned above $75,000.
I recommend using the official stimulus rebate calculator (calculator removed from IRS website) for a better idea of how much you might receive.
What do I have to do to get my rebate check?
If you file taxes in 2007 and qualify for the rebate, it will be automatically sent to you. To receive the economic stimulus rebate, you are required file a 2007 tax return, either a form 1040, 1040A or 1040-EZ. If you are someone who normally doesn’t file a tax return (for example, a pensioner, retiree, of someone whose income is based on Social Security, military veteran’s disability, or other income), you will need to file a tax return in order to receive the rebate.
Will I receive my rebate check via direct deposit or by mail?
Stimulus Payments will be direct deposited for taxpayers who select that option when filing their 2007 tax returns. Taxpayers who already filed and requested direct deposit won’t need to do anything else to receive the Stimulus Payment. Taxpayers who did not request Direct Deposit for their 2007 refund, or provide their bank information to the IRS if you paid taxes, will receive a paper check by mail.
I received my refund on a prepaid debit card – will my rebate check some the same way?
Those who received their tax refund on a prepaid debit card from a tax preparation company will receive their rebate by mail. They will receive a check sent to the address on their return. Refund anticipation loans for the stimulus check are not allowed by the IRS.
What if I earned more than the maximum income?
If you earned more than the maximum, you may still be eligible for a refund check. However, it will be reduced by 5-percent of the amount you earned above the AGI income cap of $75,000 for a single filer or $150,000 for couples. The rebates will follow this formula until it phases out, and those earning above the phase out level will not receive a rebate check.
For singles, the phase-out level begins at $75,000 and ends at $87,000, with a reduction of $50 for every $1,000 earned over $75,000. If you earn above $87k, you will not receive a rebate.
For couples, the phase-out level begins at $150,000 and ends at $174,000, with a reduction of $50 for every $1,000 earned over $150,000. If you earned above $174k, you will not receive a rebate.
Will I receive the economic rebate if I am someone’s dependent?
If you are over 17 and are a dependent, neither you or your parents will receive a rebate, even if you earned enough money to qualify for the rebate. This will affect many high school and college age workers who worked last year and earned the minimum amount to receive the rebate.
However, keep in mind, the rebate is based on your 2008 income, and the rebate calculation will be run again when your taxes are due in 2009. So if your dependent status changes between now and the time you file taxes next year, you may still receive the rebate in 2009.
When will I get my economic stimulus rebate check?
If you filed your tax return by the April 15th deadline, you will receive your rebate check automatically starting May 2. For those who elected to receive their rebate check via electronic deposit, checks will begin being sent by the IRS on May 2nd. For those who will receive their check via mail, the checks will be sent starting May 16. If you filed your taxes late or filed for an extension, you may not receive your rebate check for several weeks after you file, and there have been some reports that it may take several months to receive your rebate.
Update: The economic stimulus checks will be sent out a week early.
I did not receive the economic stimulus rebate letter in the mail. Will I still get the rebate?
Yes, you will. The letter was only sent out to remind people what was happening and to explain when the rebate checks will be sent. The rebates will be sent automatically, so there is nothing you need to do to receive your check.
What if I moved?
To ensure you receive your rebate, you will need to file a Form 8822 with the IRS and a change of address notice with the U.S. Postal Service. This will ensure your check is sent to your new address. Without your current address, the check could be returned to the IRS as undeliverable. You would still get it, it would just take longer because it would have to go through the IRS system.
How does the rebate affect my taxes in 2009?
There is some misconception about the stimulus package; it is not a loan on your 2009 taxes. You do not pay it back. The IRS eliminated the 10% bracket for the first $6000 of taxable income (AGI). The rebate is a credit to reflect the new tax laws.
If you did not qualify for the rebate based on the taxes you filed in 2008, but your situation changes when you file your taxes in 2009, you may be eligible for the difference if it is in your favor. If the change is not in your favor, you will not have to pay the difference.
I am having wages garnished by the IRS. Will this affect my rebate check?
It may. If it does, the IRS will send you a notification letter explaining where the money went and why. Some examples of this could be past due taxes, student loans, wage garnishments, or child support. If you have further questions, contact the IRS.
Can I use the money from the rebate check for whatever I want?
Yes, you can. Once the money is sent to you, it is yours to do with whatever you want (though if you have legal obligations to take care of, you might want to do that). I ran an economic stimulus poll on my site regarding how readers plan on using their rebate checks. This is a completely unscientific poll, but over 500 people have responded. So far, over 40% of the responses indicate the reader will use the rebate check to reduce debt. Saving/Investing follows that with 31%. Feel free to leave your vote if you haven’t already!
I filed for an extension on my taxes. Will I still receive the rebate?
Yes. The rebates are based on taxpayers’ 2007 tax returns. Those who file extensions or file late would likely receive their checks later than regular filers, a U.S. Treasury spokesman said last week. The checks will be sent out automatically; taxpayers don’t need to apply.
Can I check the status of my rebate with the IRS?
You can easily check the status of your rebate at the IRS website. The IRS created a web based tool to help you track the status of your economic stimulus rebate. You will need to have your tax return handy because you will need to input some key information from your return, including your SSN, filing status, and number of exemptions. The tool will locate your information in the database and give you the status of your rebate.
Important note about rebate tracker: The IRS recommends using the Payment Schedule prior to using the payment tracker since your payment information will not be available on this tool until the time that your payment is scheduled.
My rebate was lower than it was supposed to be!
There could be several reasons, such as the amount of taxable income you earned, any back taxes or other obligations that may have been owed the IRS, or something else. Also, if you primary form of income was from Social Security or Veterans Disability, it is likely you will only receive $300.
I recommend using the official stimulus rebate calculator, then contacting the IRS if the numbers are different. Good luck.
Is my rebate check taxable?
No! 
Update: The economic stimulus checks will be sent out a week early.
Will there be another stimulus check?
There have been a lot of questions regarding another stimulus check. I have covered that topic in the following articles:
- Obama Proposes $1000 Stimulus Check.
- Do We Need Another Stimulus Check?.
- Why I don’t think we need a second stimulus check.
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Has anyone recieved there paper check yet? Mine is supposed to be mailed the 23rd
that is the most helpful info. thanks
I got the RAL loan with H&R Block this year and for the first time my federal taxes were taken so my question is will the irs use my rebate check to pay the bank that I received the RAL loan through since they where not paid due to taxes getting taken? If you can help by answering this question it would be great. Thanks Joshua
Joshua,
No, the IRS will send a check directly to you. It will be up to you to pay the bank.
Lots of info here, but my rebate still doesn’t seem right. I did use the official calculator, but I’m dissapointed. My husband and I file jointly. I earned $27,195. He got soc sec of $10,848. We have a capital loss of $1989. We got a stimulus check for $668. I feel I should have gotten $600 and he should have gotten between $300 and $600. Does it seem I did something wrong?
Donna,
To be honest, I am not sure. There may be other factors that came into play (such as capital losses or other factors). The IRS has also admitted the have been some errors with stimulus rebate checks, so you could double check with an IRS agent who can explain your particular situation to you.
Good luck.
I should have received a direct deposit payment…have there been any updates about possible delays as of late?
Stephanie,
Due to some issues with the IRS system, some people who should have received direct deposits will receive paper checks. I would consider contacting the IRS for specific information for your case.
My husband and I know we are getting a stimulus check, however we aren’t worried about when we are getting it or exactly how much. It’s simply just a nice benefit to have extra money coming our way, especially with a 9mth old and one on the way, and husband in the military. We are also not dumb enough to spend money we don’t physically have yet. My only question is that in the past 2 wks we have moved (husband being deployed to Iraq), and I was wondering what we need to do in order to have the rebate check sent to our current address? All mail has been forwarded, however I do know that anything coming from the government usually will not get forwarded along with regular mail. Do I need to call the IRS and update them on our new address? If so, what number do I call?
We got ours today. Was mailed on the 23rd just like the website said.
My husband and I received our stimulus check in the mail today as we expected (we did not file to receive direct deposit). We received only $600. This is strange as when I completed the official stimulus check estimator, it said that we should be receiving $1200. We made around $37000 this past year, filed jointly, and have no children. Will we be receiving a second check for $600 to total $1200? or was this a major error that I have to talk to someone at the IRS to resolve?
Becca, A lot of people have reported receiving stimulus checks in a different amount than the stimulus calculator estimated they would receive. So far a I know there will only be one check, so I recommend contacting the IRS.
Dee,
First off, thank you for all you and your family do in support of our country. I wish your husband the best in his time in Iraq. To ensure you receive your rebate, you will need to file a Form 8822 with the IRS and a change of address notice with the U.S. Postal Service. This will ensure your check is sent to your new address. Without your current address, the check could be returned to the IRS as undeliverable. You would still get it, it would just take longer because it would have to go through the IRS system.
Thanks for the response Ryan. We have had all our mail forwarded; however, I was finally able to speak to someone at the IRS in regards to my issue. The agent let me know that she would be able to change our old address to our current address to help ensure the receipt of our stimulus check to the correct address. Form 8822 requires the signature of both spouses and since my husband will be in Iraq the possibility of that happening isn’t likely. So, I was very glad to hear the IRS agent say that she could have it corrected for me.
to whom it may concern i am not sure how to recieve my rebate check on deposit because i had to change my info,so by any chance could you send me some informationthat will help me retrieve my check.my address is 6200 colonel glenn apt.274 little rock,ar.72204 thank you
Kristina,
If you recently changed your information, chances are you will receive your rebate via the mail. It may take a few weeks longer than you expected. Good luck.
I was told to file a tax return by my mental health counselor in order to receive the economic stimulus check, so I did so. Later on I discovered that SSI does not count as qualifying income, and since my sole source of income was from SSI (and I reported it as such on my tax return) I would not receive a check. However, last week I did receive a stimulus check for $300! What do I do now? Can the IRS ask for the money back? I haven’t cashed the check yet.
There was a mistake with my social security number in my 2007 tax return. I have since remedied the problem and received my full refund. However, the IRS is saying that I am not eligible for the stimulus rebate due to the mistake. Does anyone know if and when I would be able to receive a stimulus check??? It seems crazy that some small error would cost my family $1800.
James,
SSI does count toward the rebate, even if you do not owe taxes. “Persons who do not owe income taxes, but earned at least $3,000 in wages, Social Security benefits, or veterans disability benefits, will get rebate checks of $300 for individuals and $600 for couples.”
I think you are good to cash the check. Enjoy your money.
Jenny,
I have read a couple similar comments from other people. Apparently the IRS will not send out the rebates if there were SSN errors on the tax returns. The IRS has stated they will rerun the calculations next year and send rebates for those who did not receive them in 2008, but I am not sure if this will apply for your situation.
If you had someone else prepare your taxes this year, I recommend speaking with them about the matter. Other than that, I don’t know what to do except call the IRS and ask for a complete explanation. Good luck.
Ryan,
Believe me, there is nothing I would rather do than enjoy the money! However I know people who are in my exact same situation (SSI being the sole source of income) and they received a form letter from the IRS stating SSI was not qualifying income. I also found on the IRS’s website in the Economic Stimulus Payments FAQ section (go to this link, and look about 2/3 of the way down the page)
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=182735,00.html
the following statement: “Note: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not considered qualifying income and is not included for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the stimulus payment.”
In light of this do you think the IRS would ask for the money back if I cash the check?
James,
Thanks for pointing that out. I think my error was reading that as social security benefits, which is different than SSI. I’ve never dealt with those before and I wasn’t aware of the difference.
It appears as though the IRS may have made an error. They have been know to make these errors before, and unfortunately, they are also known to withhold money without informing people to make sure they get their money back.
I think I would call the IRS and speak to an IRS agent for advice on what to do. Good luck!
i was surposed to get my rebate may 9 i called the number today they don,t have anything on me what do i do?
I WAS SUPPOSE TO RECIEVE MY CHECK BY THE 30TH OF MAY AS MY SS ENDS IN 24 AND HAVE NOT RECIEVED THE LETTER OR THE CHECK. NO STATUS ON THE IRS WHERES MY STIMUS PAYMENT SITE. AFTER 2 45MINUTE CALLS TO THE IRS THEY CAN NOT PROVIDE ANY MORE INFO FOR ME AS WELL. I GUESS SOME OF US ARE JUST GETTING STUCK IN THE CRACKS AND FORGOTTEN ABOUT.
I have a student loan.my husband does not will they keep the stimulus check?is it to late to file innocent spouse form?I’am on s.s.disability so I have no wages to be garnished.
Betty,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner – I was on vacation last week.
I’m not sure what to do i the IRS does not have any information on file for you. If you filed your taxes on time, then the IRS should have a record of this. IF not, check to see if you have a record of your taxes, and resend them. There has to be some kind of record against your SSN if you have filed taxes before.
Perhaps a tax professional can assist you. Other than that, I am not sure what you can do.
I hope it works out for you.
Tina,
Apparently there are some delays with the paper checks. My check should have been sent out May 30th, but I have not yet received it. I guess patience is the best thing here.
As for the IRS not having info for you, I don’t know what to say. If you filed your taxes, they should have some record of it.
I hope it works out for you.
Ann,
Your situation is a little more complicated than I can give you an answer for. I recommend calling the IRS or talking to a tax professional. Good luck.
I had H & R Block file my taxes for me. My parents had filed there taxes a week before me & claimed me as a dependent so I was not able to claim myself or my daughter on my taxes. I later was informed by H&R Block that I did not qualify as a dependent for my parents. Unfortunetly H&R Block had already filed my taxes when they informed me of this. My parents ended up amending their return but I never did b/c H&R Block said it would not affect my monetary return. Well I just found out that in order to qualify for the stimulus rebate who had to at least have 1 exemption…I would have had 2 if I had amended my return. I heard somewhere that even if I amend my return I still wont get the stimulus check this year but will next year. My problem is my daughter was born November 20 two months early weighing only 2 pounds, she can not go to daycare b/c of her undeveloped immune system so I will be staying home with her all this year and will not be earning any income. HELP!!! There has to be someway to fix this nightmare.
Heather,
I think the best thing to do is amend your taxes, which will officially get your tax record correct with the IRS, and give them notice that you should have received the stimulus rebate. Unfortunately, you may not receive the rebate this year, and it would likely come next year. There isn’t anything that I can do about that… The best recommendation is to contact the IRS for further info. Good luck, and I wish you and your daughter the best.
So I was one of those poor saps who was supposed to get my money direct deposit on May 9 and then I got flipped to paper check well I just checked the IRS website and it finally shows me something on the where is my stimulus and it says it will be mailed on the 27 and I also got a notice from the IRS in the mail stating that I am getting the whole 1800 So I guess it was worth the wait I hope everyone else has gotten theirs
Why did we not receive our economic stimulus payment per notice from the gov. on April 21st?Should have been made by direct deposit. Cannot get a reply anywhere!
Again, I ask the question – why did we not receive our stimulus check. Have checked with the bank, phone call (waited 30 min to get an answer to the phone call) all without any response! Awaiting your reply!
Margaret,
Some people who were supposed to receive their rebates via direct deposit may receive their rebates via the mail instead. Try calling the IRS at 1-866-234-2942 for more information. Good luck!
we recieved a letter stating that our refund would be substantially lower than we figured….we thought that it was 600 per person and 300 per child…but we only recieved 900..when it should have been 1500…where did our arithmetic fail us…married filing jointly
Jackie,
I’m not sure where your arithmetic failed you, if it even failed you at all. There have been a few cases where the IRS had made mistakes in their calculations, and some instances where people thought they would receive a different amount. I recommend using the official stimulus rebate calculator for a better idea of how much you might receive. If that gives you a different number than the IRS sent you, try calling the IRS at 1-866-234-2942.
i am receiving $1200 for my rebate, my husband and i worked last year making under $150,000, we have the credit for the qualifying children, where is the other $600.
Erin,
I’m not sure what happened. There have been a few cases where the IRS had made mistakes in their calculations, and some instances where people thought they would receive a different amount. I recommend using the official stimulus rebate calculator for a better idea of how much you might receive. If that gives you a different number than the IRS sent you, try calling the IRS at 1-866-234-2942.
Good luck.
My Wife and I received the letter telling us that we would be receiving $600. We filed together, I work, she doesn’t. Is this why we only get $600 instead of $1200?
I owe taxes from the years 1999,2000 &2001
we filed an injured spouse form and my husband finally got his half.
they have said that they applied all of our stimulus payment to my owed taxes and I want to know that since we filed the injured spouse form with our 2007 taxes will he ever get his part of the stimulus payment.
do we need to do any further to see that he does get his part, he has been looking forward to getting it and now I dont know if he will get it.
Pauletta,
I am not sure if your husband will get it or not. It depends on whether or not the IRS did your taxes together with your husband. If so, they probably put everything toward the amount you owed for past taxes. Your best bet is to call the IRS. Good luck.
my father-in-law passed away june 13th 2007 will he be recieving a stimulus payment?
my father passed away june 13th 2007 will he get a stimulus payment?
my son-in-law owes back child support how would he go about finding out if they will take his check for that even though they received a letter stating that they would be getting a stimulus check. is there an 800 number that he would need to call? thank you
Kathie,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. If your father-in-law qualified for the rebate based on his earnings during 2007, then his estate should receive the rebate when his taxes are filed.
I am wondering if I am correct, I have three children in college over 17, and all three we claimed as dependents, although each filed income taxes and made over $6000 each while full time students, am I correct that neither we or they qualify for the stimulus tax rebate? One would think with three full time students in college we would need it the most…. (and yes we the parents combined made under $75,000)
Yes, Mich, that is the way it was written. I know, it seems like college students would need it the most, but for some reason it was written with age limits in the equation.
My husband and I have not received our stimulus
payment as yet. We sent the 1040A which was sent to us as we are not required to to file
a tax return. We are retired. My question is—I did not put our social security benefits on the form. Was this required? Will this make a difference with us getting a rebate?
Thank you, Betty
was due stimulus payment on june 6th and still no check can you look into this for me
Betty,
I think the IRS needed information regarding your retirement income for you to be eligible for the rebate. I would try contacting the IRS at 1-866-234-2942.
John,
The stimulus checks can take up to 6 weeks to arrive, so it is possible the check is in route. As for looking into it, I can’t do anything regarding your taxes because I am not an accountant, nor do I have any of your information. I would try contacting the IRS at 1-866-234-2942.
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