You must file a tax return to get economic stimulus tax rebate

by Philip Brewer on 19 March 2008 71 comments

Surely by now everyone has heard of the economic stimulus tax rebate. What may not be universally known is that one of the little tweaks the Democrats added were some rules under which even many people who don't pay taxes can get a rebate. To get it, though, you have to file a return.

[Updated 14 January 2009: If you qualified for a rebate last year, but didn't get it--or didn't get the full amount--you can still claim your economic stimulus money when you file your taxes this year.]

If you're paying taxes for 2007, you probably have to file a return anyway, and if you do, you probably qualify for the whole stimulus payment ($600 per person or $1200 per couple).

But, if you're one of the 23 million who doesn't need to file a return--because you're a low-income worker, a senior on social security, a veteran on disability, or otherwise get by on such a small income that you owe no taxes--you might want to file a return this year anyway. You still qualify for a half-size rebate ($300 per person or $600 per couple) if you made at least $3000 in 2007 from any combination of:

earnings from a job or self-employment
social security
railroad retirement
veterans benefits

Various providers of tax software have been participating in the IRS's "Free File" program which offer ways for people with modest incomes ($54,000 a year or less) to file their taxes online for free.

And, just for those people who are only filing to get the economic stimulus rebate, there's a special expansion of this program.

The IRS also has announced the schedule for the rebate payments. To get yours as quickly as possible, file a return by the April 15th deadline, and provide direct-deposit information.

Direct Deposit Payments
If the last two digits of your Social Security number are:	Your economic stimulus payment deposit should be sent to your bank account by:
00 – 20	May 2
21 – 75	May 9
76 – 99	May 16
Paper Check
If the last two digits of your Social Security number are:	Your check should be in the mail by:
00 – 09	May 16
10 – 18	May 23
19 – 25	May 30
26 – 38	June 6
39 – 51	June 13
52 – 63	June 20
64 – 75	June 27
76 – 87	July 4
88 – 99	July 11

For more information on any of these programs, see the IRS FAQ.

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19 Mar. 2008 | 7:50 PM Sara Montone

Mr. Brewer,
Do you still qualify for the stimulus package if you are claimed as a parents Dependant? I know a few college students who do work study during the school year and paid internships during the summer and they make more than 3,000 dollars. Some of them, however, are claimed by their parents, does that matter?

Also, this might seem a silly question, but is the stimulus package and automatic thing, or is there some way you need to specify it on you taxes. What I mean is, if someone isn't filing to get a return, and their only reason is for this stimulus package, do they need to make a note of that somewhere or will it be automatically recognized?
sorry if these seem like silly questions...

Sara

19 Mar. 2008 | 10:48 PM Michelle

Sara,

Your friends who can still be claimed as dependents cannot get the rebate. It's kind of a shame that "independent" adults get the stimulus, and they have an extra bonus for those who were younger, but those young adults don't count.

Yes, you just file normally and the IRS calculates the rebate based on the info you give. So I might suggest doing the direct deposit just in case your address is in flux over the summer (at an REU or internship, &c). The e-file option Philip linked to can be useful for those who have "easy" taxes or don't normally file.

20 Mar. 2008 | 3:10 AM Philip Brewer

For anyone who wants to know how much they're going to get, the IRS has an economic stimulus payment calculator that you can plug information from your return into and get the answer.

2 May. 2008 | 7:20 AM Guest

If in fact you plug in your numbers you will see that most people will actually be shorted their money rather than rec'v any. My husband and i file joint but I have to file indigent spouse so that his back child support doesn't take everything.
well that eliminates the "$600" for him that goes directly to child support, and because I'm still paying on student loans, well there goes my portion which according to the IRS calculator is only $300 not $600 even though I paid in more than that.
And so for those of us Americans waiting for a piece of the pie who may need it more than others and may never see it We can all say thank you to the IRS. How does it Stimulate the economy if they decide where your portion of the stimulas gets spent?
I for one am tired of a government that gives more to illigals. And we live in AMERICA where I have to push 1 for English.

27 May. 2008 | 4:12 PM Guest

I cant say I dont agree.. my taxes where mis-filed this year (the preparer put me as head of household, and made my wife a dependent- and isnt willing to fix the issue! ( my wife is partially disabled so no work, as well as is raising our child) I didnt find the "error" until the check came in the mail, and it was $600.00 short! I of course called and got nowhere, just a bunch of rude blah blah blah. No one caress and no one wants to help, all they say is that the check is based on how the taxes where filed, and they are not doing "correction checks" "I should be happy I got what I got at all"

I waited a day and called back. The person I spoke to actually had the balls to tell me that it was my mistake and that it was a $600.00 lesson learned! Nice government this country has huh?? Of course filed the correction paperwork, as the nano-second I owed the govt $600.00 and don't pay, they would be on my doorstep ready to take me away- but I cant demand the same from the govt. Isn't this "for the people, by the people" Or was that somewhere else??

My family isn't one of those that went and bought a flat screen, I actually had to pay bills with it. because of the check being short-my family is in the process or loosing our house (I owed exactly 1500) and of course promised that as soon as I got the check, it would be the mortgage companies! I looked like a fool calling them and having to say that we only had $900.00.The mortgage company cant wait any longer, and had to process the paperwork for the foreclosure. Thanks President Bush! I appreciate all that you've not done for this country and my family.

20 Mar. 2008 | 8:56 AM El Warbo Grande (or just Warren)

I hear you talk about people who don't have to file a return. Fact is, whether you have taxes to pay or not, you have to file a return. Period. Everyone is required by law to file a return...except illegal aliens.

20 Mar. 2008 | 9:26 AM Philip Brewer

According to the IRS:

a married couple both under age 65 generally is not required to file until their joint income reaches $17,500.

(Children and students often fall into this category, but so can people who simply don't want to be in the money economy, such as subsistence farmers.)

See the IRS's Should you file a tax return page for more information.

This year, of course, you should file a return anyway, to get the tax rebate. And there are sometimes other reasons to file--if you had income taxes withheld, you'd have to file to get them back; if you qualify for the earned income tax credit, you'd want to file to get that.

20 Mar. 2008 | 9:25 AM dita

ugh, no. i could actually go into just how wrong you are, or i could just redirect you to the third paragraph of this post.

20 Mar. 2008 | 6:51 PM Finance Girl

Per MSN:

Procrastinators, take note: For stimulus payments to be part of this delivery schedule, the IRS said tax returns must be "processed" by April 15, not "filed." That implies that a later timetable may apply to taxpayers who mail their returns on or close to April 15, leaving little time for the returns to be processed by that date.

28 Apr. 2008 | 7:10 PM Guest

I moved around quite a bit last year (2007) and therefore had a few random jobs...a few of them I accidently provided the wrong SS# (one number off!!!) so I have to wait on new W2's this took longer than April 15th and since I didnt owe any taxes I did not file an extension...I just sent them off today (4-28) Will I still receive the Stimulus payment??? I realize it will be at a later time, but Im worried I wont get it at all...does anyone have the answer!!!

Thanks

Becca
Minnesota

20 Mar. 2008 | 8:37 PM Fiscal Musings

This stimulus package really couldn't be any easier. File a return... get the money.

23 Mar. 2008 | 9:30 PM jennifer

If I filed with my parent being MY dependent will I recieve a rebate for her? Like I'd get for my own child?

24 Mar. 2008 | 12:03 AM Michelle

It looks to me like you, Jennifer, do not get a rebate for your parent, as I assume she was over 17 as of December 31st. And that she is not eligible for her own refund since she is your dependent.

5 Jul. 2008 | 9:09 AM Guest

why are 17 year olds left out from getting a Stimulus Check? My son was 17 and did not get a check, why did the IRA leave 17 year olds out, he sure could have used the money!!

2 Apr. 2008 | 9:04 AM Jami

If someone (me) owes money this year, will I still get my rebate, or will the IRS just automatically apply it to my balance owed? I would much rather apply it to some of my other debt that has higher interest rates, you know?

2 Apr. 2008 | 10:17 AM Philip Brewer

If you're just paying your taxes as usual, you'll have paid all of what you owe for 2007 by mid-April, and then get your rebate some time in May.

If you owe money from a past year, though, according to the IRS FAQ, the rebate will go to paying off that debt:

... the stimulus payment is treated like any other tax refund. This means that part or all of your payment can be used to pay past-due federal or state income taxes or non-tax federal debt such as student loans and child support. If this occurs, you will receive a letter explaining how the stimulus payment was applied.

That seems to go counter to the whole point of stimulus, but I guess the IRS is very much more a tax-collecting agency than a stumulus agency.

Keep in mind that I'm not a tax expert, and in any case I don't know enough about your tax situation to comment on it specifically.

8 Apr. 2008 | 6:39 PM Guest

waht is the reuirement for a college student to be able to file as independent instead of claimed on their parents return?

8 Apr. 2008 | 7:44 PM Philip Brewer

It used to be that the main question was whether the parents had provided at least half your support to claim you as a dependent. (Things like providing a place for you to live count--it doesn't have to be cash.) The rules may have changed, though--I'm really not a tax expert.

It's important for parents and kids to touch base on this and make sure that they agree how they're going do it. It'd be a waste for neither to take the deduction, but very bad for both to do so.

25 Apr. 2008 | 4:12 PM Guest

Hello,

I have claimed my brother as my dependent as he just started working. My brother is married and he has claimed his wife as dependent. Is my brother going to get refund.

Please let me know.

Thanks
Mayur

26 Apr. 2008 | 8:22 AM Philip Brewer

I'm no tax expert, but I don't think that's going to work. According to this IRS page:

You may not claim a dependency exemption for an individual, however, if you are a dependent of another taxpayer.

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc354.html

So, I don't know about the rebate, but I suspect the return itself will get "corrected" by IRS.

28 Apr. 2008 | 9:53 AM Guest

So i filed my own indepednent income taxes but i am a student who receieves the taxes i paid in all back do i still get the rebate? i made like 20000 but i got all the fed income i paid in back already?

28 Apr. 2008 | 10:28 AM Philip Brewer

As long as you're not claimed as a dependant (such as on your parent's return), I think you qualify for at least some cash.

There's a calculator here, if you want to estimate the amount:

http://www.irs.gov/app/espc/

11 Jul. 2008 | 7:49 PM Lauren

Did someone else claim me? I went to check on the status of my stimulus check, and it said I was not qualified for the check because another tax payer claimed me. Niether of my parents claimed me. So who did? Is this a scam? What should I do?

29 Apr. 2008 | 5:32 AM Philip Brewer

My understanding is that, if you qualify for the rebate and you file a return, you will get your rebate eventually.

They're planning to start processing the rebates for late filers right after they finish sending rebates to the people who filed on time, so I don't expect the delay to be more than a month or two.

5 May. 2008 | 4:18 PM Filed Late

So I was out of town...asked my roomate to mail in my return...he forgot...

so just mailed them in today....will I still get the tax rebate?

5 May. 2008 | 4:59 PM Philip Brewer

As I understand it, you have to wait until they're done paying all the people who filed on time, but they will send the rebate before the end of the year.

8 May. 2008 | 5:02 AM ladyofthefae

I'm under my parent's tax return as a dependent (they never file it until the end of the year, don't know why but my father is lazy) but two months I received a notice in the mail saying I WILL get $300 for the rebate. But now I'm hearing dependents won't get that $300. Will I get it?

8 May. 2008 | 5:03 AM ladyofthefae

*but two months ago

8 May. 2008 | 2:11 PM Philip Brewer

I expect that, if you checked the box on your return that you can be claimed as a dependent on your parent's return, you won't get the rebate. If you didn't check that box (or if the box isn't there any more--it's been a long time since I paid attention to that part of the tax form), then you might get the rebate, but I expect the IRS would ask for the money back, once your parents file their return claiming you as a dependent.

I'm afraid I'm not enough of a tax expert to do more than just guess, though. Sorry not to be more hopeful or helpful.

8 May. 2008 | 10:37 PM Guest

a friend I work with e-filed but just realized while cleaning house the envelope containing her w2 slipped down the side of the couch cushion and was never mailed to the irs. She has already recieved her tax refund on time but did not get her stimulus check direct deposit on time but tax refund direct deposited on time will she get her stimulus check with out having mailed the w2?

9 May. 2008 | 4:13 AM Guest

If I checked the box saying that I could be claimed as a dependent, but in reality wasn't and couldn't be claimed as my parents dependent would I still get the stimulus?

9 May. 2008 | 5:53 AM Philip Brewer

On the late W2:

If some of your paperwork is late, just send it in as soon as you can. As long as the IRS gets it well before the end of the year, I expect you'll still get your rebate eventually.

On the not-actually-a-dependent:

The IRS updated its FAQ a while back, I assume to reflect the language in the law. It now doesn't say anything about whether you were claimed as a dependent--it talks about if you could be claimed.

If you checked the box that said you could be claimed, but that turns out not to be true, I expect you can still get your rebate. What you'd have to do is file an amended return (a 1040X, I think)--basically, change your return to uncheck the box.

Bear in mind that I'm no tax expert.

13 May. 2008 | 1:49 PM Guest

The question I have is if a married couple files a joint acct and it is according to the last two digits of the social security number which ssn do they use. Will the mail out two seperate checks on each ssn for 600 dollars.

13 May. 2008 | 2:41 PM Philip Brewer

On a joint return you get a combined payment. The schedule is determined by the social security number listed first on the return.

16 May. 2008 | 11:07 AM Lynn

My daughter turned 17 in May 07. She worked off and on but her total income was 2,500 for the year. This disqualifies her to receive a stimulu check on her own.

Because she is a minor and dependent, we claimed her on our 1040a as a dependent child. However, the rule for the stimulus check is that only children who did not turn 17 before January 1, 2008 are elegible for stimulus checks.

So...she does not get one for herself because she made less than 3000 and we do not get one for her because she was 17 as of Jan 1,2008. Why is that?

Why are most 17 year olds excluded in this whole stimulus check thing? I realize if 17 year olds make 3000 or more they are not excluded but not all kids work. I mean, 16 year olds are allowed to work as well and they are not exluded on the parents stimulus check.

Thanks...

16 May. 2008 | 11:37 AM Philip Brewer

I'm afraid that explaining the choices that Congress made is beyond me.

Perhaps your legislator can provide an explanation. If you get one, please post it here. We'll all be interested.

17 May. 2008 | 9:00 AM Guest

I am 23 years old. I am currently in school and as I can't provide completly for myself such as a house, I work PAY TAXES and pay for college on my own and everything else. I think it is ridiculous that any child over 17 claimed as a dependent wont qualify for the stimulus check. Bush sure has his ways....

18 May. 2008 | 9:10 AM Guest

Im in the same boat as you above...22 yrs old, working full time, paying taxes, going to school part time and living at home so i'm her dependent.
sure is NICE to get left out of something I was counting on to help me finish my BA.
And the best part of the story, of course I will have to help pay back this loan I was actually never given and the interest to wherever it was borrowed from, (Japan?) basically lumped in with the rest of the US's massive debt, because, being young, the chance that I will be one of the many taking the fall for the governments current choices is high.

so letter to congress en route? what can you do...

20 May. 2008 | 11:01 AM Guest

I made a mistake in my Tax Return. I wrote an incorrect Social Securety Number for my dependent child. How Can I fix it? I already receive my Tax Rebate but not for my child.

20 May. 2008 | 12:48 PM Philip Brewer

You can amend your tax return by filing a 1040X. (That's pretty much how you fix any error on your tax return.)

My understanding is that, as long as you get the amended return in by mid-October or so, you'll still get the full rebate eventually (before the end of the year). If you don't get the amended return in early enough that they can get the payment out before the end of the year, you may lose out.

21 May. 2008 | 4:58 PM Guest

We submitted a incorrect SSN on our original tax return however fixed it back in Feb 08. Now the IRS Economic Stimulus web site states we do not qualify because the mistake, corrected or not. Any idea how to fix that or if we can ever get the Stimulus?

22 May. 2008 | 11:01 AM Guest

On my 2007 tax return, I mistakenly put down the wrong SSN for one of my dependents. I received a notice in the mail from the IRS at the beginning of May and immediately called and corrected the problem. It fixed my refund for the taxes, and I asked if it would affect my stimulus payment. At the time they said no, but call back later to make sure. Well, my stimulus payment was reduced when I received it. When I called the IRS to inquire, they basically said too bad. The computer system they are dealing with is from the 1960's and it was not capable of correcting that error. The stimulus payment was based on my incorrect 2007 return. So basically I am most likely missing out on the additional $300. The IRS agent stated that maybe I might be able to claim it somehow on my 2008 return, but that hasn't been decided. So, my error cost me $300...... expensive error. :( Upset!

28 May. 2008 | 1:07 PM Guest

I am in the same boat! I called to see why my the check that my family recived was 600.00 short and they pretty much laughed and said that I was just out the cash! You wait till I dont pay $600.00 that I owe and see what happens- I will be taken to JAIL- what a great system we have in this country! Gotta love it! No wonder the Europeans laugh at us, we as a people are so stupid, letting out govt get away with this type of behavior.

I should have known that it was too good to be true. I cant believe that the IRS can get away with this, but then who do they have to answer to? NO ONE.. thats not the way it should be- As far as Im concerned the Government owes me $600.00!!!!!!!!!!! its time we take the country back, and make it as it shoud have been from the start, a goverment for the people BY the people.

24 Jun. 2008 | 1:04 PM lyndsay

Same problem here: Inverted 2 digits on child's SSN on original 2007 tax return. Mistake found, fixed within one week in February, and subsequently received full refund.
Stimulus is now minus one qualifying child due to this error.
Called IRS, and after 4 phone calls, and a wait time of 35 minutes, two representatives explained "Sorry, that's how it is written."
That's how what is written? The un-written stimulus rules? My original '07 return? Rep (a one Mr. Chestnut) wouldn't or couldn't explain what he meant. Just "...that's how it's written." Was told that I could "possibly receive refund for this child next year." What???
Have had the same kid for over 9 years with no problems before now. Could have really used the extra $300 especially since we counted on it. With so many unknowns, unspoken rules and exceptions, this is confusing and ridiculous. Makes us feel like hungry little panting puppies eager for our treat. That we were promised by our now annoyed master (IRS).

27 May. 2008 | 8:43 AM Guest

With a joint return, and they go by the SSN of the frist person on the form, whos name will the check be written to? Will it have both spouses or ONLY the spouse whos SSN they used??

2 Jun. 2008 | 12:42 PM Guest

I actually went online to see if anyone had the same problem I did and apparently they have found a way to keep some millions of dollars out of our pockets...Same Story, typo on dependent...They stated I more than likely would not get a check, since there "correction" showed I owed 1500.00, when I asked who I could talk to about this they said I could call my congresman. They were rude and very unhelpful. It honestly broke my heart that. One number off and it cost me 1500.00.

9 Jun. 2008 | 8:23 PM Will

im a military member stationed overseas. my wife only has an ITIN now but has applied for her SSN. i didnt have it in time for filing my taxes tho. i found out i wasnt eligible for the stimulus because my wife was using an ITIN. if ill have her social before the end of the year, can i submit a 1040X and include her SSN and still get my rebate? by what time must I do this? any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

9 Jun. 2008 | 8:29 PM Will

I am a servicemember stationed overseas. When I filed my 2007 TR, my wife didn't have her SSN. Nobody told me I would be disqualified for filing with an ITIN. Now I received word that I am not eligible for stimulus. I heard I can submit a 1040x with her SSN when she receives it and I will get reimbursement. Is this true? Is there a time I must have the 1040X submitted by?

13 Jun. 2008 | 9:48 AM Guest

Dont count on the good ol IRS givin you anything! I have spent hours on the phone with them,as my taxes too where messed up. I only got 900.00 out of the promised based on my family size 1500.00 I asked why that happened when the check came and I was rudely told that consider it a 600.00 lesson! Once taxes are filed, even if they are corrected, as in yours and my case, the IRS doesnt care, they want to keep as much of that stimulus as they can- its not about whats right or what was promised. You most likely will not ever see that money- oh and there "may" be a line on the 2008 taxes for a rebate or something- of course no one knows that at the IRS offices either!

Any and all tax returns submitted on or before April the 15th, if mistakes where not caught before then, there is nothing the IRS will or wants to do. You still have to file the 1040x as thats the right thing to do.

Sorry dude, I know the felling of wanting the check and not getting it- we lost our house because of it! I promised the mortgage company 1500.00 as that was what the check was to be, and when I recieved only 900.00, I was left holding the bag, they couldnt wait any longer, and had to proceed with the foreclosure.. and I have a disabled wife and 2 kids- that was the hardest day of my life, having to tell them that no one was there for them!

What a great country we live in, gas is through the
roof, as is food, the govt is corrupt, Bush is a liar ! I cant wait till hes out of office.

13 Jun. 2008 | 9:00 PM Guest

okay.... i'm 17 i work i make more than 3000 but i live with my parents i pay income tax and gou a regular rebate check my stimulus check should have came on june 6.....so why is it that for some stupid illogical reason i dont exist and will not get a stimulus check

27 Jun. 2008 | 11:02 AM John F.

when i filed, due to the fact i am quite a flake with jobs.....

i had 6 or so w-2's.

i didnt recieve the last w-2 until after filing the others, in which case i got one from the company i was working with and then submitted that information later... but at the moment because of a stupid error on this filing website, that wouldnt let me go back and make a correction.....

so, i did the 1040 with my mother, added the new information and sent off another w-2.

i am or was told i was supposed to get an additional $175.00 and $300.00 from the stimulous check, however i believe without the last w-2 on the first file.... i didnt have the prerequisite $3000.00 adjusted income....

i wonder if theyre making excuses as to whether or not ill even get my checks at all, either one of them, for whatever unconstitutional reason...

lets not forget taxation without representation has been unconstitutional since our forefathers took Parliament's greedy fingers off of us....

this next exerpt is from wikipedia....

For the record, we note that the following beliefs, which are stock arguments of the tax protester movement, have not been, nor ever will be, considered "objectively reasonable" in this circuit:
(1) the belief that the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution was improperly ratified and therefore never came into being;
(2) the belief that the Sixteenth Amendment is unconstitutional generally;
(3) the belief that the income tax violates the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment;
(4) the belief that the tax laws are unconstitutional;
(5) the belief that wages are not income and therefore are not subject to federal income tax laws;
(6) the belief that filing a tax return violates the privilege against self-incrimination; and
(7) the belief that Federal Reserve Notes do not constitute cash or income.

27 Jun. 2008 | 11:09 AM John F.

wikipedia is probably paid off by the government to only release things the way a government official would like them to be released..... that or they do it that way themselves to protect their own hides.

1 Jul. 2008 | 8:21 AM dIsgruntled young adult

I made over 3,000 dollars last year and currently work full time. I was not aware of the dependent "scam" and my father did not inform me that if I do not file my own taxes I will not get a stimulus check nor did he tell me that he filed me as a dependent. I do live in his house but I am 19 and work full time. Employees I work with just told me they're getting $300 per child that they have. This unfuriates me for I feel that my father did this purposely. I'm eligible in every requirement except the independent part. Why? Why! It feels like my father used me to get more money when that money should be rightfully mine. I work hard! Why does he get the $300 when I am over 19 and met every requirement? Is it solely based on the fact that he labeled me dependent. Why does that matter! I can understand if you have a child under 17 those parents get the $300 to help support the kids but I'm 19. I need that money! My father makes a salary; I get 8.5 an hour! I despise my father's stinginess. Any coments would be appreciated.

1 Jul. 2008 | 10:29 AM Philip Brewer

Whether someone claims you as a dependent or not doesn't matter: what matters is whether or not someone can claim you as a dependent.

You'd have to read the rules to know whether you can be claimed as a dependent. The main rule used to be whether they provided at least half your support, but I don't know if that's still true or not, and there are not doubt many special rules that I don't know.

But, basically, if you support yourself, you're not a dependent; if someone else supports you, you are. (Whether you work or not doesn't mattter.)

If you're not a dependent, but your dad claimed you as one anyway, then he comitted tax fraud. Even if that's true, though, you probably don't want the IRS to find out--it'd cost the household a lot more than $300 to get the IRS involved no matter which way it went. If you are a dependent, then it doesn't matter what your dad did.

1 Jul. 2008 | 11:07 AM dIsgruntled young adult

Thanks for your input Phillip. After writing this I did some more research and understood a little better. My dad certaintly deserves the return it was just my ignorance of the situation when I heard of other peolpe my age receiving checks that I got a little envious, angry and frustrated. The entire thing is just so abstract to me but I learned a lesson this tmie. Thanks again for your help.

4 Jul. 2008 | 10:49 AM siva

Hi,

i filed the tax return on april and got the rebate also. but i didnt had the SSN for my wife that time. so i didnt get the stimulus payment. now i got the SSN for my wife. what i need to do now to get the stimulus payament? or am i eligible for this?

regards
Sva

4 Jul. 2008 | 2:17 PM Philip Brewer

The IRS hasn't announced anything, so this is not based on any official statement...

But the way taxes usually work in the US, there is a correct amount of money that you owe, and the IRS will do whatever it takes to get that much. If they get more than that, they'll refund the difference, eventually.

So, my expectation is that anyone who didn't get their full stimulus rebate will be able to claim any shortage as a credit on the taxes that they owe for this year, when you file next year. There'll probably be a worksheet where you can calculate what you should have gotten as a rebate, subtract what you did get, and then take the difference as a credit.

The thing to do now is to file an amended return (on form 1040X) to correct any errors in your last year's taxes. Then, file your taxes next year, whether you need to or not.

4 Jul. 2008 | 2:52 PM Guest

Math error corrected by IRS on 2007 1040. Result was I owed more money (combined over 1200). Same day received notice of stimulus check forthcoming, amount specified based on math error. Mailed voucher and additional payment in full with penalty same day. My question is: Does IRS issue an additional stimulus check based on math error (mine) that caused additional tax liability that is/was paid?

5 Jul. 2008 | 11:30 AM Philip Brewer

Ask your Congressman. Congress wrote the law.

12 Jul. 2008 | 6:15 AM Philip Brewer

I think the odds are greater that it's just an error. (If you look at the comments above yours, several people posted saying that they made a mistake in entering a dependant's social security number. If there are enough such errors that more than one such persn ended up commenting here, it seems entirely possible that someone out there transposed a digit when entering a dependent's social security number, and happened to enter yours.

Contact the IRS and point out the error. I expect you'll get your money. (Probably not as a stimulus check this year. More likely it'll be added to your refund or deducted from the taxes that you owe for 2008, when you file next year.)

I don't have any inside info on fixing errors in stimulus payments. I'm just basing this on the way the IRS handles these sorts of errors in regular taxes: They're quite determined to get all the money that's owed to them, but also fairly determined to give back any money that isn't.

12 Jul. 2008 | 5:08 PM Guest

Im 17 years old and I cant get a stimulus check but I have a friend that is also 17 and birthday is actually after mine.She was claimed on her mothers tax return but received her stimulus check yesterday.Why is this?

18 Jul. 2008 | 11:12 PM Guest

I am getting no stimulus check because my W-2 has my first and last name and my social security card has my middle name on it as well so because all three names did not apear on my w-2 they say it doesn't match up.My husband and daughter do not get anything either because of this.It literally makes me sick to my stomach the idiocy of it all.

21 Jul. 2008 | 5:29 PM Guest

When i filed my tax return I transposed the two middle digits of my childs SS #. I amended my return after notified by the IRS and corrected the error. But the agent I spoke with today claims they can't issue the stimulus payment on a corrected return only on the initial return so I won't get the $300 credit for my child. Any suggestions?

22 Jul. 2008 | 2:13 PM Libi

I paid my taxes to the IRS and i was 17 years old, i will turn 18 this month, my mom didn claim me as a dependant will i still get this stimulus check from the government?

22 Jul. 2008 | 2:54 PM Guest

If anyone hears of a class action suit against the IRS of people who didn't get rebate due to entering the wrong SS # for a dependent please post info here. I'll sign on.

6 Aug. 2008 | 10:11 AM Guest

I am 19 and i was 19 at the end of last year and my parents didnt claim me as a dependent, but when i checked Where Is My Stimulus Check? on the irs site it says i dont get one because another taxpayer claimed me as a dependent... I also was supposed to get direct deposit, but the tax guy never did that, and i got paper checks. what do i do if the tax preparer messed this up for me?

11 Aug. 2008 | 11:46 AM Amy

I made a simple human error on my 1040 when I did not check box 6a "Yourself" under exemptions when I should have in fact done that. I read too quickly and assumed if someone could claim me as a dependent, I should then check the box. Big mistake, as I am now out the $600 that is rightfully mine. The IRS has informed me they are making exceptions for senior citizens only!? If anyone is aware of how I can still obtain my $600 check in 2008, please let me know. Thank You!

27 Oct. 2008 | 6:16 AM PENNY

I WAS JUST EMPLOYED IN 11/01/2007 AND REC.6.00 SHORT OF THE REQUIRED 3000.00 TO GET A STIMULAS CHECK .I CLAIMED MY TWO KIDS ONE 14 AND 17 MY 17 YEAR OLD WILL BE 18 IN NOV.2008 WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO CLAIM AND GET A STIMULAS FOR 2008

13 Jan. 2009 | 7:20 PM Mimi

I don't want to file "Married filing separate" because that would be a low refund for me. My husband owe IRS for back child support. What or how will I file MFJ without IRS taking the share of my refund?

Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!

1 Feb. 2009 | 9:43 AM Sophie

I just finished my taxes for 2008 and checked that stated I could be claimed as a dependent, yet I will not. Should I amend my tax return in order to get my stimulus in 2009?

10 Mar. 2010 | 2:14 PM Guest

I am just now filing my 2008 taxes....can I still get the Stimulus Check?

You must file a tax return to get economic stimulus tax rebate

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