If you did not file for the payment before the deadline and normally do not file an income tax return, you might still be able to receive a stimulus payment by filing a 2008 tax return.
If you need help filing for the stimulus payments, AARP Tax-Aide sites will be ready to assist you. Information about the sites will be available in mid-January at www.aarp.org/taxaide or by calling toll-free, 888-AARP-NOW (888-227-7669).
Through October 2008, the IRS had issued $95.038 billion in economic stimulus payments to over 117 million individuals and families.
Eligible individuals received up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns) plus $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.
People who do not need to file a tax return but who have received at least $3,000 in Social Security benefits, veterans' benefits, certain railroad retirement benefits, and/or earned income in 2007, needed to submit a simplified version of the 1040A tax form to the IRS in order to receive a stimulus payment.
The IRS Web site has an online calculator to help estimate your payment. You can also track the status of your payment online.
Income-tax refunds are made separately from the stimulus payments. The economic stimulus payment is issued based on the last two digits of your Social Security Number and whether you opt to receive the payment by direct deposit or by mail.
All communications come from the IRS in writing. Avoid providing information to organizations or people who communicate with you in other ways. The IRS will never call or e-mail asking for your Social Security Number or for information on your bank account.
The IRS will never send a letter or e-mail asking for a response by phone or e-mail. IRS agents will not ask to come to a person's home for the purpose of an economic stimulus payment.
Never pay anyone or go through a third-party intermediary to apply for or speed up the payment process.
Always contact the IRS directly with any questions. To do that, you can call toll-free, 800-829-1040, or go to the agency's Web site, www.irs.gov.
