Last batch of stimulus checks set to be mailed

Brian Neill

Jul. 8, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The check is in the mail. Or at least it should be by the end of this week.

Taxpayers whose Social Security numbers end in 88 through 99, and whose tax returns were filed and processed by April 15, are scheduled to have their IRS stimulus checks mailed to them by July 11, said Michael Dobzinski, Florida spokesman for the IRS.

"As far as I know they are, and have been, going out on schedule," Dobzinski said. They will go through July, he said.

Those who expected checks, but didn't get them, should visit the stimulus payment section at www.irs.gov, Dobzinski said.

As of June 19, the IRS has issued 76.5 million payments worth $63.8 billion based on processed 2007 tax returns.

Eligible individuals receive up to $600. Married couples filing jointly receive $1,200 and $300 per child 17 or younger.

One segment of the population that has not fully taken advantage of the stimulus checks is people receiving Veterans Administration or Social Security benefits who don't ordinarily have to file a return, Dobzinski said.

"If they had at least $3,000 of Social Security or VA benefits, they could file to get a payment," Dobzinski said.

That payment can be $300 for an individual or $600 for a married couple, he said.

Manatee County has nearly 7,000 people who would qualify for checks, according to the IRS. Sarasota County has roughly 5,000 who would qualify.

"It's not too late to file," Dobzinski said. "You have until Oct. 15 to file a tax return and get a stimulus payment. That's the cut-off date that we've established to be able to get you a check by the end of the year."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0027-26570486