How to Claim a Tax Relief Check

If you didn't qualify last year for the full amount of the IRS economic stimulus check, and your circumstances have changed since then, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit this year. Unlike the economic stimulus check, the recover rebate is in the form of a onetime credit that will be figured into your 2009 tax refund or liability.

Things You'll Need

• Notice(s) 1378 (amount of your economic stimulus)

Instructions

1. Find out if you qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit by going online to the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Information website (see "Additional Resources," below), or by completing the worksheet in the 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instruction booklet.

2. Get out your notice 1378 or go to the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Information website and use the "How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment?" link to find the amount you received for the stimulus check.

3. Fill out the worksheet in the IRS Income Tax instruction booklet entitled "Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet."

4. Enter the amount of line 27 of the worksheet in the appropriate place on your tax return form. Because various forms are used to file federal income tax, the line on the form will be in different places.

Tips & Warnings

• If you receive a refund on your federal income tax, the rebate will be included in the refund check.

Resources

• IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Information