Taxpayer asks:
I keep hearing all different kinds of stories about this money that we are to be expecting in May. I have heard that this is coming out of our tax returns in 2008, I’ve heard that it’s not. I’ve also heard that if I’m married we get 600.00 for the both of us together (not individually) and 300.00 per child. I’ve also heard that it’s 600.00 per adult and 300.00 per child. Do you know what we should actually be counting on? I’m married, I file “joint” and I have 2 children under the age 3. Can you clear this up for me?
Taxgirl says:
There is a lot of information floating around about the tax rebate checks – unfortunately, not all of it good!
Here are the quick answers to your questions:
1, The tax rebates are independent of your refund or liability for 2008.
2, The expected rebate for most folks is $600 for individual taxpayers who pay income taxes or $1200 for married taxpayers. These amounts are subject to income restrictions and phase outs. Special exceptions apply for seniors and disabled vets. Click here for more information about folks who do not qualify for the rebate.
3, There is a $300 per child credit for the rebate.
Assuming that I don’t know something that you do, under the facts that you’ve provided, you will likely be due a rebate of $1800. The IRS will mail letters shortly advising you as to how much you can expect. You can check out some sample scenarios as provided by the IRS here.
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.
I’m glad I subscribed to your blog. It’s good to know that the credit is not part of our tax return. I had heard that you had to actually file a tax return in order to recieve credit. Are you really a lawyer?
I’m so glad that you subscribed, too!
Yes, you do have to file a return to receive the credit – and if you file an extension, it may delay your check.
Yes, I’m really a lawyer. I even went to law school “extra” to get my LLM Taxation!
Here’s a more complicated question.. lol
Will dead-beat “parents” that file tax returns have to give up their credit check if they are on that IRS list and owe $20,000.00 or more in back child support?
I DID NOT RECEIVE A TAX CHECK BACK IN 2001 WHY NOT
who does not get rebate
a, there is some good info here: http://www.taxgirl.com/ok-so-who-doesnt-get-a-rebate/
Domestic Divapalooza, Child support arrears may affect your rebate. More info about other situations which may affect your rebate here: http://www.taxgirl.com/ask-the-taxgirl-rebates-for-those-who-owe-back-taxes/
Ronald – I am not sure why you didn’t receive a check. Those checks (unless the current system) were credits against refunds which were to be paid. It’s possible that you were not due a refund or otherwise didn’t qualify (taxable income too low, etc.). I would suggest that you contact the IRS for more information.
In other words, my ex-dead-beat won’t get a rebate check at all.
Hi Taxgirl!
See if you can clear this up. At work we have several opinions about the earned income credit and the rebate. If you quality for earned income credit and recieved back all of your income tax plus some, will the tax payer receive a rebate?
I understand that my dead husband had a tax debt and it was put in as uncollectable as I only get 794 for myself and same amount for our child…I was told I would get a rebate now they tell me it will go to the back taxes, if this correct….
my last two ssn. ends in 4 8 and havent received anything direct depoist
my last two ssn. ends in 4 8 and havent received anything direct depoist no this is my first time
I’M ON SOCIAL SECURITY I MAILED BACK THE 1040a FORM THEY SENT ME
MY REBATE WAS TO BE DIRECT DEPOSITED MAY 9TH. BUT ITS NOT . WILL I GET A CHECK
I got my 600$ rebate check last week.I got divorced last year and my Ex-wife made too much to get the rebate.We had a 6 yr old daughter and we can claim her every other year,but 07 was her year.Does she get the 300$ still or should it have come to me.I was not able to claim her and am not behind on any child support?
She has told me that she gets nothing and I am just wondering if she is lieing.Do i get penalized just cuz I can only claim my daughter every other year?