Note - a person who does not usually file a tax return (someone who usually pays no federal taxes) MUST file a tax return this year in order to get the rebate. The deadline, of course, is April 15th.

By Marcia on Sunday, March 16, 2008 - 12:04 am:

Do you have the option of not filing, just because you don't pay tax? I have tax free income, but I still have to file a zero income each year. Just wondering if things are different in the USA.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 12:02 am:

Article about how they are distributing the economic stimulus checks

It is by Social Security numbers.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 06:45 am:

Marcia, to answer your question, according to what I read in the instruction book, one has the option not to file depending on filing status and income. And it also depends on whether you are claimed as a dependant by someone else and again, income comes into play. But yes, there are situations where a U.S. resident or citizen does not have to file a federal tax return.

By Marcia on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 10:50 am:

Thanks, Ginny. My kids don't have to file yet, because they have never had jobs. As soon as they file the first time, they will have to file for the rest of their lives.
My income is tax free, so I can claim as a full dependent on DH's. The kids are also dependents. As long as we make under a certain amount, which is something under $10,000 - but I can't remember the exact amount, we are still dependents. Each dollar we make makes his claim for us less, but there's still a basic amount.

By Pandamamaoo4 on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 11:24 am:

Thanks for the link Dawn!! Good information I will pass it on to all of our friends

By Crystal915 on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 11:46 am:

Thanks, Dawn!! My SSN is towards the end, in the 70s, but since I filed for a DD return, I *think* the article meant all DD rebates will be completed by 16 May 08. That's not bad at all.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 02:36 pm:

That's not very far away!