As the economy has slowed and gas prices have sharply risen, Congress passed an economic stimulus package to put some extra cash in people’s pockets. The Treasury began distributing one-time rebate checks this month, and by July, over 130 million Americans will have received more than $110 billion.

Am I Eligible?

Low- and middle-income taxpayers, as well as disabled veterans and seniors who receive Social Security, will receive rebates. To qualify for the full rebate, single tax filers must have 2007 adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $75,000, while joint filers must have AGI less than $150,000. Single filers will receive up to $600, while couples will receive up to $1,200.

Even people who do not owe income taxes, but who earned at least $3,000 in annual income—which can include Social Security or disability—can receive $300/person or $600/couple rebates. You must file your tax forms for 2007, even if you do not owe taxes, in order to receive a rebate. Tax filers who earn more than the $75,000 and $150,000 thresholds will see their rebates reduced by 5% of the amount earned beyond those thresholds.

What If I Have Not Filed My 2007 Tax Forms?

Even if you have not filed yet, you are still eligible to receive a rebate if you file your tax forms by October 15. Tax filers who do not owe income taxes, but who earned at least $3,000 in annual income, should file a 1040A federal tax form and write “Stimulus Payment” on the top, or use the electronic form at www.irs.gov.

When Will I Receive My Rebate?

The Treasury is issuing payments based on the last two digits of recipients’ Social Security numbers. Those with lower numbers may have already received their rebates, while those with higher numbers will receive them by July. You can find a schedule of rebate mailing dates at www.irs.gov, or by calling the IRS Rebate Hotline at 1-866-234-2942. You will need your Social Security number, filing status and the number of exemptions claimed in order to access your refund schedule.

Identity Theft

The IRS has warned taxpayers to beware of scams that use stimulus checks as a lure to trick them into revealing personal information, such as Social Security and credit card numbers. Typically, identity thieves use this information to empty victims’ bank accounts, make charges on victims’ credit cards, and apply for loans and credit cards with victims’ credit.

The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mail or make unsolicited calls about tax account matters to individual, business, tax-exempt or other taxpayers. Filing a tax return is the only way to apply for a tax refund; there is no separate application form. Please be vigilant of suspicious calls concerning economic stimulus rebates and report them to the IRS Inspector General at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov.

Contact Me
Readers who wish to write me about stimulus checks or other federal issues can send a note by mail to 300 E. 8th Street, Suite 763, Austin, TX 78701, by e-mail to lloyd.doggett@mail.house.gov, or through my website at www.house.gov/doggett.

U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett is currently serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives. He is a senior member of the Ways and Means, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees. He and his wife Libby have two daughters—one a physician and one a teacher, and two granddaughters.