Taxpayer asks:
I saw on the news that we will have a second check in February. I can’t find it again. Can you help?
Taxgirl says:
Wow. Just wow.
I’ve received a slew of similar emails over the weekend.
I don’t know where this info is coming from – or what news program might have reported it – but it’s simply not true. To be clear:
- The proposed stimulus package under President-Elect Obama does not include a second rebate check;
- The proposed stimulus package does include a new tax credit but the credit is related to payroll withholding, not a rebate check;
- No tax cuts, no tax credits, no additional tax breaks have been made official under the Obama administration – he’s not even in office yet (!);
- Even if a stimulus package passed this week, there is no way that any sort of tax credit would be in place for February. Our government just doesn’t move that fast.
The economy is big, big news these days. If there were really a package in place that would send checks your way, you’d see it on every single news venue. And you’d see it on Taxgirl.
You aren’t seeing it anywhere else because it’s all just speculation. There’s nothing. Na-da. No checks in the mail.
As promised, I will update you on the site as soon as I hear any tax news for 2009. Really. If you want to actually follow the path of the legislation, you can keep checking with the Library of Congress.
Sorry to disappoint you.
Before you go: be sure to read my disclaimer. Remember, I’m a lawyer and we love disclaimers.
If you have a question, here’s how to Ask The Taxgirl.
Perhaps some of this confusion may be coming from the Rebate Recovery Credit — basically another bite at the apple for those who didn’t file last year or had a change in family situation (another child, for example). In that case, certain people could get a stimulus check this year, but that won’t apply to the vast majority of us.
Melody – good call! I previously blogged about the RRC here if folks want more details.
So does that mean there is no check coming?
😉
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Some of my income tax clients are even asking…
The answer is “NO”!
i to would not have believed no second check although i can not say that i filed my taxes 01/26/09 i was told that i would recieved a additional $300 dollars , everyone is saying no can’t be i recieved my fed taxes and that additional $300 on 02/13/09 say what maybe because i only recieved 300 last year when everyone i knew recieved 600….