Comments on: Ask the taxgirl: Recovery Rebate Credit

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:15:12 +0000

I’m not sure why you would file an amended return for 2007 if the sole purpose is to claim the RRC. If that’s the only reason, then you can just file a return for 2008 with your updated info.

By: Mara

Mara — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:11:16 +0000

Hello,
We filed a 1040 last year but myself and my child did not have a valid ss no hence we were not issued stimulus checks. We filed 1040 again this year but we do have the ss nos fo both of us. Can we file 1040x and claim recovery rebate on the 2008 return if so, what would be the procedure on what line of 1040x do we claim rr? Or, is there any other form to file?

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:55:11 +0000

Yes, I have just “broke through” teh IRS automatic answering system and spoke with a representative. She told me we do not eligable for RRC ‘coz my wife has no real SSN but ITIN only . So now I have to send a check with amount received, and a cover letter describing the situation directly to US Treasure.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:00:15 +0000

Jeez, the last time that I answered one of these, I advised the taxpayer to do the right thing. She later sent me a blistering email saying that she could have cheated and she found out later that it would have worked and instead she followed my advice to be honest, she’s out $300 and she blames me. Lovely, huh?

So I will say this. If you believe that you didn’t get the correct amount of money – either too much or too little – I would contact the IRS to confirm the proper amount. It tends to be the case that an overpayment will be discovered eventually. If and when it’s discovered, not only will you have to pay it back, you’ll likely be hit with interest and penalty.

Bottom line, I always believe that if you don’t think that you received the proper amount, confirm with IRS.

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:50:57 +0000

Hi Kelly!

Basically, my situation is similar to Cindy’s one:

I have a Social Security Number, but my wife and my son have only Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)… I used TurboTax and was somehow mistaken by it, so I requested $900 of RRC ($600+$300 for the son), and got the money! Now I undestand we are not eligable for this money. What should I do in the situation like this?

Should I try to return the money and how can I do that?

Thank you!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:28:04 +0000

If you forgot to claim him or her altogether, try: http://www.taxgirl.com/ask-the-taxgirl-forgotten-dependent/

If it’s just a matter of figuring the credit, IRS should figure it for you if the dependent was included on the actual return. Once your refund arrives, if there’s no indication that the credit was included, I’d call IRS (800.829.1040)

By: Jodi

Jodi — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:52:32 +0000

If we already filed our 2008 taxes but did not claim the RRC for a child born in 2008…what can we do now to get the RRC?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:15:10 +0000

You will not qualify for the credit if you do not have a valid Social Security number. Accordingly, if married filing jointly, both taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number in order to receive the credit.

Your husband could try filing MFS so that he receives the credit (he cannot file as single if he is legally married) but be careful. In almost every case, filing MFS results in a higher tax burden because of restrictions on credits and deductions. I wouldn’t jump through the additional hoops to get the RRC if the result is a higher tax that you would have paid MFJ.

By: cindy

cindy — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:34:43 +0000

I am married. my husband has income, i don’t have income.
we couldn’t get stimulus payment last year because I don’t have social security number.
my status hasn’t changed in 2008.
are we qualify to get recovery rebate this year?
can my husband file as single to get srecovery rebate?
in that case i don’t file, is it ok to IRS?

By: Dave Hippo

Dave Hippo — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:48:04 +0000

In response to Shana, the dependent has to meet the definition of Qualifying Child for the Child Tax Credit, i.e., under age 17 on the last day of 2008, in order for you to get an additional $300 Recovery Rebate Credit. If your dependent is 17 or over, they would not qualify for the RRC.