Ask the taxgirl: Why didn’t I receive all of my rebate?
Taxpayer asks:
Hi Kelly!
I just received my tax rebate, but it was for $600 and I am a single mom so I though it would be $900. I was just wondering how I go about figuring out which amount is correct. Will I receive the $300 later for my son?
You are the only website I have been able to find useful when it comes to anything about taxes. I appreciate it… Thank you!
Taxgirl says:
You should receive all of your rebate in one payment unless you specifically directed that your 2007 tax refund be split (this is unusual and you would know if you had done so).
I’ve actually received a lot of variations on this question. And while I clearly don’t know your personal details, here is my best guess: I’m guessing that you did receive your rebate for your qualifying child ($300) but that your own rebate amount was reduced from $600 to $300.
Your payment would be reduced to $300 as a single filer if you had no net income tax liability for 2007 - check your 2007 tax return for details. You would receive $600 if you are married filing jointly if you had qualifying income of at least $3,000.
To figure your net income tax liability on a form 1040, check the amount shown on Line 57 plus the amount on Line 52:
On form 1040EZ, it is the amount shown on line 10:
What counts as qualifying income? It is the total of:
Wages reported on federal form W-2;
Net self-employment income;
Social Security benefits reported in box 5 of the 2007 Form SSA-1099;
Railroad Retirement benefits reported in box 5 of the 2007 Form RRB-1099;
Veterans’ benefits received in 2007, including veterans’ disability compensation and disability pension or survivors’ benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Nontaxable combat pay if you chose to include it as earned income on your 2007 return.
Qualifying income does not include Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you are entitled to receive the basic amount, you may receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child. A qualifying child is under the age of 17 and has a valid Social Security number - an ITIN is not sufficient.
You can find more information about why your tax rebate might be smaller than anticipated at my prior post.
Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.
Have a question? Ask the taxgirl!
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5 opinions for Ask the taxgirl: Why didn’t I receive all of my rebate?
Keith
May 8, 2008 at 5:14 pm
My mother and father were expecting 1200 dollars but only received around 835 dollars. Evidently that was their tax liability and you can only get the lesser of the two. My oldest sister received the full 1200 dollars so evidently her tax liability was at least that amount.
Mike
May 9, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I never received my tax rebate? I filed electronically this year for my wife and I with a child. Does anyone know why it wouldnt have come? My last two digits are 32. It should of been in by now i would believe!?!
hONEY
May 10, 2008 at 7:25 am
It all depends on whether or not it is a bank acct or a pre-paid debit card that can have direct deposit on it. If it is a pre paid debit card expect a check back. But i would say in this case for rebates if you think you should get it on the 2 look for it the following week. Once that time pass than worry.
Keith
May 10, 2008 at 4:34 pm
It also depends on the last two digits. My last two digits are 20 something and mine won’t be mailed until the end of the month.
Mike
May 10, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I did direct deposit with my taxes this year. According to the irs schedule it should have been May9th. I checked the website and there is no information regarding my rebate status. I guess I’ll wait it out one more week and hope for the best.
Thanks for your replies!!
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