Facts about the 2008 Stimulus Payments
The
following information is from the IRS site that gives the latest update on the
economic stimulus package that was signed into law yesterday. Many of you have
asked about the impact to benefits of these payments. The last sentence
clarifies this: "
In addition, the IRS emphasizes the
stimulus payments will not count toward or negatively impact any other
income-based government benefits, such as Social Security benefits, food stamps
and other programs."
In order to qualify, an individual must have at least $3,000.00 of qualifying income. Qualifying income includes Title II benefits, but does not include SSI.
What I have pasted below is the latest information available. I received the link from a Social Security announcement.
FS-2008-15, February 2008
Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to
more than 130 million individuals. The stimulus payments will go out through
the late spring and summer.
The vast majority of Americans who qualify for an economic stimulus payment will
not have to do anything other than file their 2007 individual income tax return
to receive their payment this year. They will not have to complete applications,
file any extra forms or call the Internal Revenue Service to request the
payment, which is automatic. The IRS will determine eligibility, figure the
amount and issue the payment.
Stimulus payments will be direct deposited for taxpayers selecting that option
when filing their 2007 tax returns. Taxpayers who have already filed with direct
deposit won't need to do anything else to receive the stimulus payment. For
taxpayers who haven't filed their 2007 returns yet, the IRS reminds them that
direct deposit is the fastest way to get both regular refunds and stimulus
payments.
Basic Eligibility
The IRS will use the 2007 tax return to determine eligibility and calculate the
basic amount of the payment. In most cases, the payment will equal the amount
of tax liability on the return with a maximum amount of $600 for individuals
($1,200 for taxpayers who file a joint return) and a minimum of $300 for
individuals ($600 for taxpayers who file a joint return).
Even those who have little or no tax liability may qualify for a minimum payment
of $300 ($600 if filing a joint return) if their tax return reflects $3,000 or
more in qualifying income. For the purpose of the stimulus payments, qualifying
income consists of earned income such as wages and net self-employment income as
well as Social Security or certain Railroad Retirement benefits and veterans’
disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits received from the
Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. However, Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.
Low-income workers who have earned income
above $3,000 but do not have a regular filing requirement must file a 2007 tax
return to receive the minimum stimulus payment. Similarly, Social Security
recipients, certain Railroad retirees, and those who receive the veterans’
benefits mentioned above must file a 2007 return in order to notify the IRS of
their qualifying income.
The IRS emphasized that people with no filing requirement who turn in a tax
return to qualify for the economic stimulus payment will not get a tax bill.
People in this category will not owe money because of the stimulus payment.
Additional Payments for Parents and Others with Qualifying Children
Parents and anyone else eligible for a stimulus payment will also receive an
additional $300 for each qualifying child. To qualify, a child must be eligible
under the Child Tax Credit and have a valid Social Security Number.
Limitation
To be eligible for a stimulus payment, taxpayers must have valid Social
Security Numbers. Anyone who does not have a valid Social Security Number,
including those who file using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN),
an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) or any other identification
number issued by the IRS is not eligible for this payment.
Both individuals listed on a married filing jointly return must have valid
Social Security Numbers to qualify for a stimulus payment.
Eligibility for the stimulus payment is subject to maximum income limits. The
payment, including the basic amount and the amount for qualifying children, will
be reduced by 5 percent of the amount of income in excess of $75,000 for
individuals and $150,000 for those with a Married Filing Jointly filing status.
Individuals who pay no tax and who have less than $3,000 of qualifying income
will not be eligible for the stimulus payment.
Special Circumstances for Recipients of
Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Certain Veterans Benefits
Individuals who receive Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits
and certain veterans’ benefits may have to follow special filing requirements in
order to receive the basic amount:
Notices
Most taxpayers will receive two notices from the IRS. The first general notice
from the IRS will explain the stimulus payment program. The second notice will
confirm the recipients’ eligibility, the payment amount and the approximate time
table for the payment. Taxpayers will need to save this notice to assist them
when they prepare their 2008 tax return next year.
Anyone who moves after they have filed their 2007 tax return should notify the
IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, and also notify the Post Office.
Exclusions
Individuals who file Form 1040NR, 1040PR or 1040SS are not eligible for the
stimulus payments. These returns are normally filed by Nonresident Aliens,
residents of Puerto Rico and residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Residents of U.S. possessions will be receiving their rebates directly from the
possessions.
Also ineligible are individuals who can be claimed as dependents on someone
else’s return.
Dividends, interest and capital gains income is not included when determining
qualifying income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as
qualifying income for the stimulus payment. Also not included in qualifying
income are non-veterans or non-Social Security pension income (such as those
from Individual Retirement Accounts).
Stimulus payments will be subject to offset against outstanding tax and non-tax
liabilities in the same fashion as regular tax refunds.
In addition, the IRS emphasizes the stimulus payments will not count toward or
negatively impact any other income-based government benefits, such as Social
Security benefits, food stamps and other programs.
The Check is in the mail
Direct-deposit payment All sent by May 2
Week 1 The last two digits of your ssn# is 00 to 09 09 May 08
Week 2 The last two digits of your ssn# is 10 to 18 23 May 08
Week 3 The last two digits of your ssn# is 19 to 25 30 May 08
Week 4 The last two digits of your ssn# is 26 to 38 06 June 08
Week 5 The last two digits of your ssn# is 39 to 51 13 June 08
Week 6 The last two digits of your ssn# is 52 to 63 20 June 08
Week 7 The last two digits of your ssn# is 64 to 75 27 June 08
Week 8 The last two digits of your ssn# is 76 to 87 04 July 08
Week 9 The last two digits of your ssn# is 88 to 99 11 July 08
For married taxpayers who filed a joint return, the first Social Security Number on the return determines the mailing date. Source: IRS
FACT SHEET:
E
XAMPLES OF HOW THE ECONOMIC GROWTH PACKAGE WILL BENEFIT AMERICANSMarried with children:
1) Married couple with two children
1, earned income of $4,000, no federal income tax paid.TOTAL = $1,200
2) Married couple with two children, earned income in excess of $3,000, AGI = $45,000, federal income tax is $323.
TOTAL = $1,200
3) Married couple with two children, AGI = $48,000, federal income tax is $773.
TOTAL = $1,373
4) Married couple with two children, AGI = $80,000, federal income tax paid in excess of $1,200.
TOTAL = $1,800
5) Married couple with two children, AGI = $160,000, federal income tax paid in excess of $1,200.
TOTAL = $1,300
1
All children referenced in the examples are qualifying children for purposes of the child tax credit.
Head of household with children:
1) Single parent with two children, earned income of $4,000, no federal income tax paid.
TOTAL = $900
2) Single parent with two children, earned income in excess of $3,000, AGI = $38,000, federal income tax is $433.
TOTAL =$1,050
3) Single parent with two children, AGI = $60,000, federal income tax paid in excess of $600.
TOTAL =$1,200
4) Single parent with two children, AGI = $90,000, federal income tax paid in excess of $600.
TOTAL = $450
Married, no children:
1) Married couple with no children, earned income of $4,000, no federal income tax paid.
• Individual rebate = $600
2) Married couple with no children, earned income in excess of $3,000, AGI = $20,000, federal income tax is $930.
• Individual rebate = $930
3) Married couple with no children, AGI = $25,000, federal income tax is $1,430.
• Individual rebate = $1,200
4) Married couple with no children, AGI = $160,000, federal income tax paid in excess of $1,200.
TOTAL = $700
Single, no children:
1) Individual with earned income of $4,000, no federal income tax paid.
2) Individual with earned income in excess of $3,000, AGI = $10,000, federal income tax is $125.
3) Individual with AGI = $16,000, federal income tax is $725.
4) Individual with AGI = $80,000, federal income tax paid in excess of $600.
TOTAL = $350
End of Document