How to Get the IRS Economic Stimulus Rebate

Post-tax season, Treasury will begin the rebate process by sending economic stimulus checks to over 130 million households. People who normally do not file--such as retirees, low-wage workers or disabled vets--must file this year to receive this rebate.

Instructions

1. File a tax return even if you are not required to file a tax return. You must do so to receive the Economic Stimulus Rebate check. Most people will qualify for this rebate, with the exception of high-income filers.

2. See if you qualify for this rebate by using the Economic Stimulus Payment Calculator (see Resources).

3. Check your Social Security number (SSN) for disbursement order, determined by the last two digits of the main filer's SSN. If the last two digits of your SSN are low, then you will be one of the first to receive your rebate check.

4. Understand the disbursement of these rebate checks will begin first with all of the taxpayers who specified direct deposit when preparing their tax returns. In doing so, they provided the IRS with their direct deposit account information.

5. Look for the distribution of paper checks to begin once the automatic deposits are completed. Distribution starts with taxpayers with low numbers in the last two digits of their Social Security numbers.

6. Expect completion of the distribution of stimulus rebates by July. Taxpayers who filed their return after April 15 will receive their stimulus rebate 2 weeks later.

7. Be aware that by October 15 you must file your return to receive a stimulus rebate this year.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not neglect to file your tax return; it is mandatory to receive your Economic Stimulus Rebate.

Resources

• Visit the IRS website for the Economic Stimulus Payment Calculator.