More rebate questions answered

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: March 12, 2008

One viewer wrote in asking, “Is this check a “credit” (or advance) on my 2008 federal income tax refund?”

In other words, will whatever money I get from the IRS be deducted from my tax return in 2009? The answer is no. I talked with the IRS and your rebate will be just that… a rebate for which you will not be taxed and it will not impact your tax return for 2009.

Another viewer asked, “Is an elderly person on Social Security that does not file an income tax return eligible for the tax rebate and if so, is it automatic or what do they have to do to receive it?”

This is one we’ve answered before, but it is still confusing to people because it’s different. Yes, people on Social Security will get a rebate so long as their benefits are $3,000 or more. But, it is not automatic. Those people will have to fill out a tax return for 2007 even if they have never done so in the past.

As I said this is confusing to a lot of people and the IRS gets it. So, it will be mailing this 10 age packet to the 20 million people who get Social Security and Veterans Disability benefits. It will explain what you need to do, what form to fill out, and how to do it. Look for this to come this week or next.

Finally to one of the most frequently asked questions I get: “When will I get my check?” There’s an e-mail going around that looks pretty official and explains when the checks will go out and how the IRS is going to do it. I got this e-mail. But, there’s one problem: it’s not real. I checked with the IRS and was told it’s bogus. Disregard the e-mail.

Officials tell me they are still figuring out how to mail the checks, but that they’ll likely go out in May through August. I’ll keep checking and let you know when they figure out the final process.