Get your stimulus tax rebate faster: The IRS tells how

Want to get your tax rebate faster? File your taxes early and electronically, and arrange for direct deposit.

The IRS drove home that message today when it announced its schedule for delivering economic stimulus rebates. Folks whose federal tax forms are processed by the IRS by the April 15 deadline and who arrange for direct deposit can expect their rebates to be sent to their bank accounts no later than May 16. You're more likely to have your taxes processed by April 15 if you file electronically.

The IRS will deliver stimulus payments based on the last two digits of filers' Social-Security numbers; the lower those digits, the earlier the payment. If a couple is filing jointly, the first Social Security number on the tax return is the one that counts in determining the payment schedule.

For folks whose returns are processed by April 15 and arrange for direct deposit:
Those whose last two Social-Security number digits are between 00 and 20 are expected to get the first payments, by May 2.
Those with last digits between 21 and 75 should get their payments by May 9.
Those with last digits between 76 and 99 should get theirs by May 16.

In contrast, the IRS says it will begin to send out paper checks on May 16, even for early filers. The agency says it expects to send out the last checks to on-time filers by July 11. You may have to wait a few days extra for the checks to reach your mailbox.

If there's a problem with processing your return, your payment--whether by direct deposit or paper check--could be delayed beyond those target dates. And anyone filing for an extension will have to wait for their rebate for at least two weeks after they get their refund.

IRS spokesman Eric Smith notes that by filing electronically, you can expect your rebate from two weeks to two months sooner than if you filed by mail. Even if you owe the government, you can file now and arrange for payment on April 15; that way, even with no refund, you'll get your rebate faster.

"If you've never tried electronic filing, this is the year to do it," Smith told us. "If you're getting a refund, you'll get it sooner. If you're getting a rebate, you'll really get it sooner."

While you're waiting for the rebate, try the IRS's new economic stimulus payment calculator to determine how large a rebate you'll get. To do a proper estimate, you'll need to have filled out your 2007 Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.

Comments

[Paul]

My Social Security number's last two digits are 02, and I e-filed my taxes in early February and had my refunds (both Federal and State) direct-deposited to my checking account. According to what I have read, I should have gotten my tax rebate credited to my checking account on Monday, 4/28/07. But as of today (4/30), it is still not there. I am definitely due a tax rebate (I even double-checked this using the IRS tax rebate calculator at their website), but wonder what do I do/who do I inquire if I never recieve it at all. Thank you!

[amanda k]

so i heard on the that they have already started sending the paper checks out is that true?

[R Vorpahl]

You are better off going to Electronic Filing Center on Midway Rd in Menasha, WI. They e-file your tax return and send refunds directly to your bank account in 2 weeks. Federal and State in 2 weeks!! I had mine done there, and what a great experience! Their phone number is (920)REF-UNDS 733-8637

[tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

The IRS looks at the Social Security number of the person who is listed first on the tax form.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Tracy:

I think you should just assume that the check will come by mail because the first one came by mail.

[tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Dawn,

Electronic payments BEGAN this Monday; that doesn't mean every one of them was deposited on Monday. The first batch is due to be completed by Friday, so have some patience!

Check the IRS Web site www.irs.gov. They say they'll be posting a "Where's my rebate?" page shortly.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Pam B:

If you got your refund through a refund anticipation loan (RAL) or other temporary account, your rebate will come via mail, so you needn't worry. (See my comment on this post from yesterday). If not, you should continue trying to contact H&R Block for help.

[tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Connie,

If it is not a temporary account, then yes, you would receive your rebate direct deposit. If I were you, I would call H&R Block just to confirm.

[tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Amanda:

From what you have told me--that is, you used a regular checking account, not a temporary account--you should receive your rebate by direct deposit.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Paul,

See my answer to Dawn, posted today.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Amanda K:

Paper rebate checks do not start to go out until after May 16. Please see the following schedule from the IRS:

http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=180250,00.html

[Lynn]

Quick question... I owe some back takes but when I filed this year nothing was taken out of my refund check (rapid refund) does this mean by chance they won't take anything from my stimulas check??

One more by chance will the paper checks be sent early just checking from the comment that was from up to------- IRS spokesman Eric Smith notes that by filing electronically, you can expect your rebate from two weeks to two months sooner than if you filed by mail. Even if you owe the government, you can file now and arrange for payment on April 15; that way, even with no refund, you'll get your rebate faster.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

I can't comment on your first question. Call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 (ignore the prompt to press "7" for rebate info). They may be able to shed more light on it.

Yes, it is possible that because you filed your return electronically, the paper rebate check may come slightly faster than if you mailed your return. Paper checks start to go out after May 16, according to the IRS. Keep in mind, though, that they will go out in batches, with the latest batch mailed by July 11.

[Steph]

If we filed using Turbo Tax and recieved our refund direct deposited, will we get our stimulus check direct deposited as well???

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

It depends. If you paid any prep or electronic filing fees for TurboTax by deducting them from your refund, your rebate will be mailed. See this URL from TurboTax:

http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/kb/e-file/ef-status/1883.html

If you didn't do the above, your rebate will be direct-deposited.

[Kevin]

I filed taxes using h & r block tax cut software, submitting all the information for direct deposit. The refund went directly into my account. Looking at that depost it shows that it is from H & R Block, not the IRS. Will I be getting a check in the mail or direct deposit?

[Amy]

What If you got your Federal by check and your State direct deposit How will the new rebate come ?

[James Trimble]

Per H&R Block - no Economic Stimulus Payments will be put on the Emerald cards - all will be mail via check from the IRS.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Kevin,

H&R Block tells me that if your refund came from H&R Block, it indicates you probably subtracted your tax-preparation and/or electronic-filing fees from your refund. That process involves a third-party bank owned by H&R Block. The IRS is not direct-depositing rebates for folks who used a third-party bank in this way.

So, to make a long story short, your rebate check will be mailed. If the refund had come directly from the IRS, your stimulus rebate would have been direct deposited.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Amy, you would get your rebate by mail. It would come the same way your federal refund came.

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

James Trimble:

See my comment on 4/29 to Amanda K re: the Emerald Card. There are instances in which taxpayers who have an Emerald Card can receive their rebates via direct deposit.

[mommyof4]

I just have a few things to say about this rebate! Since this came about, there is more greed in the world wanting more money, which we all do, but which I don't understand! Yes, I am sure there are people that really need the money 'cause I am excited to get it myself! But can the greed stop and people just take a look at what is happening? We are in depression, and this is only gonna make it worse. The faster we get the rebate, the faster all prices go up! We have soldiers at war fighting for us and what do they get in return? they are dying for us and all we are worried about is more money! My family lives paycheck to paycheck and we could really use the money, but it will be here when it gets here! All bush is doing is putting the money in our hands to put us further in debt! Look at all our products and factories; they have gone to over seas. I can't even buy my baby toys without worrying about China putting lead in them. I mean, come on, what are we doing to our country?
Sorry if this offends people, but look at reality.

[Lynn]

Tobie,
I just wanted to say thank you for letting me know the number to call to check on the rebate.. I have not called yet but will update you so you will know if you come across the question agian but I do thank you for taking the time for the answer.. I see you are taking alot of time giving people answers but don't see THANK YOU'S!!! Thanks again,
Lynn

[Paul]

Thank you, Tobie, for the reply to my question posted on 4/30/08! :-)
The IRS just put up their 'Stimulus Payment Status' webpage, where one can check exactly how much, and when, their tax rebate will be received.
The URL is: https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof/IRServlet?app=IRACTC

[Kandi]

I filed my return with Jackson Hewitt and did an AR(assisted refund). Is that considered a RAL? I got my return direct deposited within 8-15 days. Should I expect a direct deposited rebate, or a mailed rebate?