Washington  -

This year Congress and the President agreed on an economic stimulus package. One component of this law includes returning tax dollars to more than 130 million households.  Many Delawareans are left wondering if they qualify and what steps are necessary to obtain a rebate check. 

How do you receive a stimulus check?  The majority of people who file a 2007 income tax return qualify, and many who don't regularly file a tax return may qualify as well.  You are eligible if you have a valid Social Security Number (SSN), cannot be claimed as a dependent on a tax return, and have either an income tax liability or "qualifying income" of at least $3,000.  This qualifying income includes any combination of earned income as well as certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs, or Railroad Retirement. 

The IRS will begin mailing the economic stimulus checks in early May and amounts will vary based upon income, marital status, amount of dependents claimed, and amount of taxes paid.  To figure out an estimate of the amount that you will receive, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has formulated and Economic Stimulus Calculator on their website, www.irs.gov

To answer your questions in person, the IRS has launched a tax filing outreach day called "Super Saturday," on March 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Approximately 320 IRS offices around the country will be open on "Super Saturday" to prepare the simple Form 1040A for people who are filing a return solely to receive their stimulus payment.  There will be two IRS sites open in Delaware: the J. Allen Frear Federal Building at 300 South New Street in Dover and the Federal Building at 844 King Street in Wilmington.  IRS employees will help prepare 1040A forms for low-income workers, retirees, disabled veterans and anyone else in need of assistance.

Attendees must bring with them a number of important documents, including photo ID, verification of Social Security Number (of taxpayer, spouse, and qualifying children), Social Security Card or Letter/Notification from Social Security or Veteran's Administration reflecting social security number, Form SSA - 1099 from Social Security or Form RRB-1099 from Railroad Retirement board (or is a 1099 is not available, a monthly statement and/or amount of monthly benefits), a monthly statement from the Department of Veteran's Affairs showing payments you received in 2007 for veterans disability, proof of any other income (taxable or nontaxable), and finally bank account information if they wish to choose direct deposit for their stimulus payment.

Two tips that can make the process easier and faster: file electronically online and use direct deposit.  For more information on obtaining your economic stimulus rebate, or for other tax related questions, please visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov or call the IRS Hotline at 1-800-906-9887.