In 2007 a tax refund was approved by Congress called the economic stimulus rebate. This was issued by the IRS by providing advance rebate
checks calculated based on your 2007 tax return. While many people who qualified received their checks, there are many people who still in 2009 have yet to receive their stimulus checks.
Most people who did not receive a rebate did not file a 2007 tax return and were thus ineligible for a rebate. One could also have been excluded from the rebate if they filed their taxes after
the October 15th deadline. Another common way that people may have missed out on a check is if their income was too low, or too high. Not to worry - all of these people can now claim their credit
using their 2008, rather than 2007 return. If your pay decreased in 2008 there is a chance you could be eligible for an even larger rebate.
Can I still get a stimulus check?
Below is a list of everyone who could be eligible for a stimulus check. Remember, this will be based on your 2008 tax return so if you situation has changed betwen 2007 and 2008
there could be a good reason for you to now get a check. If you meet any of the following criteria below follow the step below titled, "Claim your 2008 Recovery Rebate".
- Families or people who did not receive a stimulus check
- Individuals or families who received a reduced stimulus check based on their 2007 tax return but may be eligible for a larger check given their 2008 tax return information.
- Families who have an additional child that now qualifies for the child tax credit
- People who were a dependent on someone's return for 2007 but is no longer dependent and not listed as a dependant on their 2008 tax return
- People who have a valid social security number now but did not in 2007
Claim your 2008 Recovery Rebate
The Recovery Rebate can be found on the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ and will be part of your 2008 tax return.
Don't worry about trying to calculate the rebate yourself. The IRS will determine the credit when you file your 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
