WASHINGTON - Starting next week, the Internal Revenue Service will mail special information packages to 20.5 million recipients of Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits to help them get their 2008 economic stimulus payment.

The 10-page tax package contains everything the recipients will need to file a 2007 tax form immediately. Each package contains an informational notice, tips for completing Form 1040A, a sample Form 1040A and an actual Form 1040A for the filer to complete.

The package is specially designed for people who may qualify for an economic stimulus payment but who normally aren't required to file a tax return.

"We want to put everything right at the fingertips of the people who need this information the most," said Linda E. Stiff, Acting IRS Commissioner. "In some cases, seniors and others in this group haven't needed to file a tax return for years or even decades. To help them get a stimulus payment, we're doing everything we can to make this as easy as possible. These packages mean many people will just need a pen and a stamp, and the IRS will do the rest."

Under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, people may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) even if they do not normally file a tax return. There also is an additional payment of $300 for people with eligible children younger than 17. However, people must file an income tax return in order to receive the payment.

People who don't normally need to file also can use Free File – Economic Stimulus Payment, which is available at IRS.gov. Several Free File software providers are making their products available for the simplified filing of a tax return.

"These stimulus payments have the potential to help people in real need and stimulate our economy," said Tom Nelson, AARP's Chief Operating Officer. "The IRS, through efforts like this, is doing a great job of informing people that they might be eligible for a stimulus payment, offering step-by-step guidance on how they can apply, and what scams they need to avoid."

To qualify for the minimum economic stimulus payment, people must have at least $3,000 in any combination of qualifying income from retirement, disability or survivors' benefits from the Social Security Administration; disability compensation, disability pension or survivors' benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs; Tier 1 benefits from Railroad Retirement, certain combat pay and earned income from wages, salaries, tips or net earnings from self-employment that are includible in taxable income.

The mailing list of 20.5 million names represents Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefit recipients who did not file a tax return in 2006, allowing the IRS to directly target the special package to people likely to qualify for a stimulus payment but who may not otherwise file a tax return this year. The mailing, called Package 1040A-3, is separate from more than 130 million other economic stimulus letters (Notice 1377) being sent this month to taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2006.

Generally, the special mailing does not include low-wage workers without a filing requirement who could qualify for economic stimulus payments. The IRS is working with numerous community, governmental organizations and charitable groups to reach low-income workers and their families. People in this category also need to fill out a tax form, preferably a simple Form 1040A.

With so many people potentially unaware of the stimulus payments, Stiff encouraged people to reach out to help their friends and family members. "We don't want anyone to fall through the cracks," Stiff said. "People can help friends and family members by making them aware of the payments or helping fill out the forms. These forms are very simple. In just a few minutes you can complete the entire process by filling in just a few lines."

A sample Form 1040A is included in the tax package and is available at IRS.gov. People need to complete the lines for the mailing label and provide a Social Security number; the filing status (single or married) and exemptions (children younger than 17 and their Social Security numbers).

People with earned income must complete Line 7 to report their 2007 annual income. Recipients of Social Security, VA and Railroad Retirement payments must complete Line 14a of Form 1040A to report their 2007 annual benefits. Certain recipients should have a Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 with that information. Or, people can multiply their 2007 monthly benefit by the number of months the payment was received for 2007 to estimate their annual benefit amount.

The IRS encourages recipients to complete the direct deposit information on the Form 1040A if they have bank accounts. Direct deposit will be the easiest and fastest way to receive a payment. The IRS also encourages people to file their income tax return as soon as possible. The IRS will begin issuing economic stimulus payments starting in May.

The IRS reminds taxpayers it does not gather information for stimulus payments over the telephone, and it does not send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers about tax account matters. If taxpayers receive an unsolicited e-mail from someone claiming to be from the IRS, don't click on any links. People should forward it to phishing@irs.gov, and then delete it. The only official IRS Web site is located at www.irs.gov.

To be eligible for economic stimulus payments, people must have valid Social Security numbers, have at least $3,000 in qualifying income and not be a dependent or eligible to be a dependent on someone else's income tax return.

For taxpayers who normally file an income tax return, the maximum stimulus payment is $600 ($1,200 for married couples), amounts that will phase out starting with adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples). For taxpayers who file a 2007 income tax return, the amount of the economic stimulus payment will be calculated automatically by the IRS.

What You Need to Know about the 2008 Tax Rebate Plan:
The first piece of tax legislation in 2008, the Economic Stimulus Act provides that the taxpayers will receive a one-time rebate in mid-2008. The rebates, or "stimulus payments" as they are being called by the IRS, will be mailed or sent via direct deposit to individuals who file a 2007 tax return and meet certain eligibility requirements. The IRS will calculate the amount of the rebate for you based on your 2007 income information.

What's the Maximum Stimulus Rebate Payment:
$600 for unmarried persons and $1,200 for married couples. Plus an additional $300 per qualifying child.

How Will the Rebate be Calculated:
The rebate is limited to the net tax liability. For many people, this amount will be the same as found on Form 1040 Line 57, Form 1040A Line 35, or Form 1040EZ Line 10. The rebate is reduced if the net tax liability is less than the maximum credit. The rebate will also be reduced for people with higher incomes. The stimulus rebate is reduced by 5 percent of the amount of income in excess of $75,000 (or $150,000 for married couples).

Who's Eligible for the Rebate:
Individuals who have at least $3,000 in qualifying income.

Who's Not Eligible for the Rebate:
Dependents, or people who could be claimed as dependents by another taxpayer, are not eligible. Also ineligible are non-resident aliens, anyone without a valid Social Security Number, and estates and trusts.

Qualifying Income:
Wages, self-employment, Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, and veterans' disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not qualify for the rebate.

Qualifying Children and Dependents:
Any child under age 17 who is related to the taxpayer by blood, marriage, adoption or foster arrangement and whom the taxpayer can claim as a dependent. Dependents age 17 and over do not qualify for the additional rebate. Dependents of any age do not qualify for the rebate in their own name even if they earn their own income.

Impact on 2008 Tax Returns:
The stimulus rebates will be calculated by the IRS using information on the 2007 tax returns. If taxpayers were entitled to a larger rebate based on their 2008 income, those taxpayers will be able to claim a tax credit for the additional amount. Taxpayers won't have to pay back the rebate, however, if using their 2008 income would result in a lower rebate amount.

How Rebates will be Processed:
The IRS will mail out two notices to taxpayers. The first notice will inform people about the rebate. The second notice will confirm the taxpayer's eligibility, amount of the rebate that the IRS has calculated, and when the taxpayer should receive the rebate payment. Rebates will be sent by direct deposit, if bank account information was provided on the 2007 tax return, or by paper check.

Filing a Return:
Individuals must file a 2007 tax return to receive the stimulus rebate payment. Even if the person does not have a filing requirement and does not have a tax liability, they will still need to file a return so that the IRS will know that the person qualifies for the rebate.

If you are filing a 2007 tax return solely for the purpose of claiming the stimulus rebate repayment, show your nontaxable Social Security benefits, veteran's disability pension, or Railroad Retirement benefits on Form 1040 Line 20a or Form 1040A Line 14a. This will let the IRS know that you have qualifying income for the purposes of the rebate, even if you have no taxable income.

Direct Deposit Issues:
The IRS wants to send out rebate payments via direct deposit. This means you need to make sure your direct deposit information is absolutely, 100% accurate. Any mistake here could result in losing your rebate forever.

Refund Offset Issues:
The rebates are subject to the same offset procedures as other tax refunds. If a taxpayer owes back taxes, is in arrears on child support, or has defaulted on a student loan, the rebate payments will be applied to pay those debts.

Everyone knows you never get something for nothing.

Right? Well, that is usually true. But hold on to your hats, people. Not only are you going to get some MONEY for nothing, it's coming from the least likely place of all - the federal government!

What, you say? How can this be?

Here's how: the U.S. government, in all its generosity, has decided that in order to try and help what appears to be a looming recession, they will issue rebate checks to somewhere around 117 million people. Even if you earned money last year but not enough to pay taxes on.

Here's how it will work:

-Most people will get somewhere between $600 and $1,200, although there will be exceptions to this. For example, some individuals may only get $300, but that would be true only if they made at least $3,000 in 2007 but didn't pay any federal income taxes on it.

-To get the maximum $600 per individual, or $1,200 per couple rebate, you must have paid federal income taxes in 2007 and made at least $3,000.

-If you have children, you will get an additional $300 per dependent child.

-The rebates start phasing out if you are an individual with an adjusted gross income of over $75,000, or a couple with adjusted gross income of over $150,000. Note that these income thresholds are slightly higher if you have children, but the exact threshold numbers have not yet been released.

-The government will issue checks based on the returns filed in the spring of 2008 for tax year 2007.

It was announced that the checks are tentatively set to start being mailed in May of 2008. It would, therefore, be in your best interests to prepare and file your federal income tax return as soon as possible. The longer you wait to file, the longer you will wait for your rebate check.

If this isn't a good reason to prepare and file your federal income tax return early this year, what else is? Look in your mailbox in a few months for that nice freebie, and don't spend it all in one place!

Make sure you file your taxes early so you can get your rebate quickly. Click here to find out how H&R Block's TaxCut will have you getting that rebate check quickly and easily. They have a great federal (and state, too, if you need it) income tax preparation software program that will hold your hand and walk you right through it.

Labels: federal income tax rebate information, get your tax rebate check sooner

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service released additional information today about the upcoming economic stimulus payments in a specially designed section for taxpayers on IRS.gov.

The new information includes an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions about the stimulus payments, with a special emphasis on recipients of Social Security and certain veterans’ benefits. Millions of people in this group who normally don’t file a tax return will need to do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment.

For recipients of Social Security and certain veterans’ benefits and low-income workers who don’t normally need to file, the IRS also released a special version of a Form 1040A that highlights the simple, specific sections of the return that can be filled out by people in these categories to qualify for a stimulus payment.

“Most taxpayers just need to file a 2007 tax return in order to automatically receive the stimulus payment,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Linda Stiff. “But we are especially concerned about recipients of Social Security and veterans’ benefits who may need to take special steps this year to file a tax return in order to obtain a stimulus payment. IRS.gov will help taxpayers get what they need.”

The Frequently Asked Questions section – accessible through the front page of IRS.gov -- includes an extensive set of information for all taxpayers with questions about the stimulus payments, commonly referred to as rebates. The questions and answers include important information for low-income workers and certain recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement benefits and veterans’ benefits.

The special IRS.gov section also features extensive examples of how much taxpayers can expect to receive in stimulus payments. The page includes more than two-dozen payment scenarios affecting different types of taxpayers.

IRS.gov will be updated frequently to provide taxpayers with all they need to understand the stimulus payments.

The IRS will begin sending taxpayers their economic stimulus payments in early May after the current tax season concludes. In most cases, the payment will equal the amount of tax liability on the tax return, with a maximum amount of $600 for individuals ($1,200 for married couples who file a joint return). Payments to more than 130 million households will continue over several weeks during the spring and summer. A payment schedule for taxpayers will be announced in the near future on IRS.gov.

The IRS reminds taxpayers when they file their 2007 tax return to use direct deposit, which is the fastest way to get both regular refunds and stimulus payments. However, taxpayers who use Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) or enter into any other loan or financial agreement with their tax professional cannot receive their stimulus payments by direct deposit and instead will get a paper check.

The only way to receive a stimulus payment in 2008 is to file a 2007 tax return. The vast majority of taxpayers must take no extra steps to receive their stimulus payment beyond the routine filing of their tax return. No other action, extra form or call is necessary.

Special Guidelines for Recipients of Certain Social Security, Veterans and Railroad Benefits

Certain people who normally are not required to file but who are eligible for the stimulus payment will have to file a 2007 tax return. This includes low-income workers or those who receive Social Security benefits or veterans’ disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. These taxpayers will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income.

Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. For taxpayers filing joint tax returns, only a total of $3,000 of qualifying income from both spouses is required to be eligible for a payment.

The special version of the Form 1040A unveiled today on IRS.gov shows taxpayers in these groups the specific sections of the form they need to fill out to qualify for the stimulus payment. The mock-up is designed to be used as a guide for filling out an actual Form 1040A.

“People who don’t normally need to file have a roadmap on how to fill out the Form 1040A quickly and easily,” Stiff said. “We encourage recipients of Social Security and veterans’ benefits who don’t normally need to file a tax return to use this mock-up of the form as a guide to help them get their stimulus payment.”

The Form 1040A illustration on IRS.gov shows the limited number of lines that will need to be filled out for recipients of Social Security, certain Railroad Retirement and certain veterans’ benefits. A key line is reporting their 2007 benefits on Line 14a of Form 1040A. The IRS reminds taxpayers they can also use Line 20a on Form 1040 to report these same benefits.

In addition, taxpayers in these groups should write the words "Stimulus Payment" at the top of the 1040A or 1040.

For now, taxpayers in this group filing a tax return can only file a paper copy of the Form 1040 or Form 1040A. The IRS is working to update its systems to accept electronic versions of these limited-information returns for taxpayers who otherwise have no need to file a tax return. The IRS is also working with the software community to handle these returns electronically at a future date.

The IRS also reminded taxpayers with Social Security, Railroad Retirement or veterans’ benefits who have already filed but did not report their qualifying benefits on either Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040 that they may need to file an amended return in some situations to receive a larger stimulus payment.

Taxpayers who already have filed but did not report these benefits can file an amended return by using Form 1040X, which can only be filed with a paper form.

The IRS reminded taxpayers who don’t have any other requirement to file a tax return that submitting a tax return to qualify for the economic stimulus payments does not create any additional tax or trigger a tax bill. In addition, the stimulus payments will not have any effect on eligibility for federal benefits.

The IRS is working with the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations to ensure that recipients are aware of the need to file a tax return to receive their stimulus payment in 2008.

Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting May 2. Paper checks will be put in the mail starting May 16. DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits: Payment will be transmitted: 00 through 20 May 2 21 through 75 May 9 76 through 99 May 16 PAPER CHECK

Last two SSN digits: Payments will be mailed by: 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 People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will receive.

WASHINGTON - As part of a national outreach effort, the Internal Revenue Service today encouraged nonprofits, charities and other community groups to reach out to low-income Americans who may not realize they are eligible for the 2008 economic stimulus payment.

Workers who normally do not file a tax return because their income is too low but who have at least $3,000 in wages, tips or salary or other qualifying income may be eligible for an economic stimulus payment. However, they must file a 2007 income tax return in order to receive a payment.

The IRS encouraged government and nongovernmental organizations, especially churches and charities that work with low-income Americans to help spread the word to individuals and families. Because it lacks name and address information for many low-wage workers, the IRS is unable to contact everyone who may be eligible.

"Many people who don't normally file a tax return may not realize they need to take an extra step this year to receive an economic stimulus payment," said Acting IRS Commissioner Linda E. Stiff. "We are encouraging groups across the country to help us get out the word that low-income workers and others need to file a tax return in order to receive a stimulus payment."

"Some low-income taxpayers may never have filed a tax return before yet qualify for an economic stimulus payment," added National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson. "Community-based organizations can play a vital role in spreading the word about the steps people must take to receive their payment. Part of that message should be to seek help from reputable sources and avoid Internet solicitations."

Generally, workers who earn less than $8,750 if single, $11,250 if a single parent or $17,500 if married are not required to file a tax return. This year, however, they should file a simple tax return if they had at least $3,000 in qualifying income which is defined as earned income, nontaxable combat pay or certain Social Security, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement benefits. It also can be a mix of pay and benefits.

The IRS will mail 20.5 million information packages to Social Security and Veterans Affairs recipients, starting next week. In all, more than 130 million individuals and couples may be eligible for an economic stimulus payment of up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples.). Some households may qualify for an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.

People who normally do not file a tax return may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) plus the additional $300 per eligible child.
There are some caveats: People must have at least $3,000 in qualified income, valid Social Security numbers for themselves and their qualifying children and cannot be a dependent or be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

Organizations with interest in providing information to Americans who may be eligible for these payments can go to IRS.gov for materials and marketing tools to help spread the word.

An IRS.gov Web page, Economic Stimulus Payments: Marketing Products for Partners, has one-page flyers, envelope stuffers and more information that can be downloaded. Also available is the Package 1040A-3, a 8-page package containing everything low-wage workers need to file a tax form immediately.

The IRS also is working with a number of key national organizations such as AARP, National Community Tax Coalition/Center for Economic Progress, National Council on Aging, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, National Disability Institute, United Way of America, Catholic Charities, Disabled American Veterans and others.

In addition, the IRS is reaching out to small business employers and employees across the nation with the help of organizations such as the United States Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the National Association for the Self-Employed.

Starting in May, the IRS will begin issuing economic stimulus payments based on the 2007 tax returns being filed this spring. Filers who have bank accounts can receive their stimulus payments faster by using direct deposit.

Free help is available. For those with computer access, IRS Free File –Economic Stimulus Payment is available at IRS.gov. People can use IRS Free File to prepare returns and submit them electronically for free.

People also can print out Package 1040A-3 (pdf), the 8-page publication containing tips for completing a return, a sample Form 1040A and a blank Form 1040A, which people can complete and mail to the IRS.

There are also thousands of free tax preparation sites staffed by volunteers nationwide. And, there are more than 400 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide.

Labels: federal tax rebate for low wage workers, get your 2007 income tax rebate check from IRS

WASHINGTON-The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it will begin sending more than 130 million economic stimulus payments starting May 2. The initial round of weekly payments will be completed by early July.

The IRS also announced the availability of a new online calculator on IRS.gov to help people determine the amount of their stimulus payments.

Stimulus payments will be made by direct deposit to people who choose to receive their 2007 income tax refunds through direct deposit. All others will receive their economic stimulus payments in the form of a paper check.

“To receive an economic stimulus payment, people just need to file their tax returns as they usually do," said IRS Acting Commissioner Linda E. Stiff. “The payments will be automatic for the vast majority of taxpayers. Some lower-income workers and recipients of certain Social Security and veterans benefits who don’t normally need to file a tax return will need to do so in order to receive a stimulus payment. IRS.gov has all the information people need to help them obtain a stimulus payment."

Stimulus payments will be sent out in the order of the last two digits of the Social Security number used on the tax return.

Because the IRS will use the Social Security number to determine when checks are mailed, taxpayers may receive their checks at different times than their neighbors or other family members. On a jointly filed return, the first Social Security number listed will determine the mail-out time.

The IRS expects to make about 34 million payments within the first three weeks after the payment schedule begins May 2. With more than 130 million households expected to receive stimulus payments, more than 25 percent of the payments will be made in the first three weeks.

Taxpayers who choose direct deposit on their federal income tax returns can expect to receive their economic stimulus payments between May 2 and May 16 provided their returns were received and processed by April 15, 2008. For taxpayers who did not choose direct deposit on their tax return but whose returns were processed by April 15, the paper checks will be in the mail starting May 16, with the initial mailings completed by around July 11.

The IRS is also announcing today the availability of an on-line calculator on IRS.gov to help taxpayers determine if they are eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment and if they are, how much they can expect. Anyone who has prepared a 2007 income tax return can use the calculator. It will ask taxpayers a series of questions, so they should have their 2007 tax returns handy. After answering the questions, the calculator will provide the projected dollar value of the payment.

Below are the schedules for economic stimulus payments related to tax returns processed by April 15, 2008.

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns
Received and Processed by April 15

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

A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15.

All or part of an economic stimulus payment may be applied to back taxes or certain other debts of the taxpayer, such as delinquent child support and student loans. In such cases, the IRS will send a letter to the taxpayer explaining the offset.

To accommodate people whose tax returns are processed after April 15, the IRS will continue sending weekly payments. People who file tax returns after April 15 and receive a refund can expect to receive their economic stimulus payments in about two weeks after receiving their tax refunds, but not before the date they would have received their payment if the return had been processed by April 15. To ensure taxpayers receive their stimulus payment this year, they must file a tax return by Oct. 15.

Two bureaus of the Treasury Department are involved in making the payments. The IRS will calculate the amount of each economic stimulus payment based on the tax year 2007 income tax returns it receives. The IRS will then forward the information to the Financial Management Service (FMS), which is the bureau of the Treasury Department that makes federal payments such as Social Security benefits, federal income tax refunds and, now, economic stimulus payments.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that they can get their stimulus payments faster by using direct deposit when they file their tax return.

In addition, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically. For people who normally don’t need to file a tax return, the IRS and Free File Alliance have a special program set up to allow for free electronic filing.

Labels: 2007 federal tax rebate, federal income tax rebate plan