THE CHECK IS IN THE MAIL

%%headline%%Spend it. Save it. Tips on how to spend it

Sunday, April 27, 2008

WHO GETS THE REBATE? Anyone who pays taxes or earns at least $3,000, including Social Security or veterans' disability benefits. Singles with income of more than $75,000 and couples with more than $150,000 will get smaller rebates. HOW MUCH WILL YOU GET? Single taxpayers can get up to $600. Couples can get up $1,200. Those with dependent children will get an additional $300 per child. That amount will be reduced by $50 for every $1,000 above the income limits of $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for couples. CAN YOU ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENT? You bet. The IRS has an online calculator: www.irs.gov/app/espc/ WHEN WILL IT ARRIVE? Starting Monday, payments will be sent electronically to direct-deposit accounts. Paper checks will be mailed starting May 9. The lower the last two digits of the filer's Social Security number, the sooner the money will arrive. BEWARE OF SCAMS: If someone claiming to be an IRS agent calls you or sends you an e-mail and asks for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit-card information, it's a scam, the government says.