Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center

Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment.

But there are more details to know about and even a calculator to use. Find out more here and visit this page regularly for the latest updates.

The Basics

Need some quick and basic information? We have it for you right here.

• Basic Information on the Stimulus Payments
• IR-2008-18, IRS Will Send Stimulus Payments Automatically Starting in May; Eligible Taxpayers Must File a 2007 Tax Return to Receive Rebate
• FS-2008-15, Facts about the 2008 Stimulus Payments
• IR-2008-21, More Information on Stimulus Payments Posted to IRS.gov; New Details for Recipients of Social Security, Veterans Benefits
• IR-2008-28, Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March
• IR-2008-37, Special Economic Stimulus Payment Packages Go to Social Security, Veterans Recipients

Economic Stimulus Payment Calculator

A new online calculator will give you an estimate of the stimulus payment you may be due. Just answer a few questions and the calculator will do the rest. Remember: you must file a 2007 tax return in order to receive the payment.

• Calculator    

Economic Stimulus Payment Schedule 

Payments will start May 2. The last two-digits of your Social Security number and whether you opted for direct deposit into your financial account or a paper check will determine when you receive your payment.

• Payment Schedule

Stimulus Payment Scenarios

What does it look like for you?

• Married with Qualifying Children
• Married without Qualifying Children
• Married Filing Separately, with or without Qualifying Children
• Single (Head of Household) with Qualifying Children
• Single without Qualifying Children

You May Be Eligible Even if You Normally Do Not  File a Tax Return

If you have at least $3,000 in certain types of income, you may be eligible for the economic stimulus payment. You also may be able to use Free File - Economic Stimulus Payment. See the special types of benefits or income that qualify below:

• Especially for Social Security Recipients
  Information for people who receive retirement, disability or survivors' benefits 

• Especially for Veterans Affairs Recipients
  Information for people who receive pension, disability and survivors' benefits

• Especially for Railroad Retirement Recipients
  Information for people who receive Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits

• Especially for Low-Wage Workers
  Information for people who receive a wages, salary, tips, etc. or who are self-employed

• Especially for Military Combat Personnel
  Information for members of the military serving in a combat zone 

Frequently Asked Questions

We have the answers to your questions in Stimulus Payments: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Rebate Scam Alert

Be aware that identity thieves are already pushing scams involving the stimulus payments. At least one telephone scam is making the rounds using the proposed rebates as bait. News release IR-2008-11, IRS Warns of New E-Mail and Telephone Scams Using the IRS Name; Advance Payment Scams Starting, has more details.

Information For Businesses

• IR-2008-22, 2008 Economic Stimulus Act Provides Tax Benefits to Businesses

News Releases, Audio Files, Fact Sheets and Legal Guidance

Check out the complete list of IRS-issued news releases, audio files, fact sheets and legal guidance related to the stimulus payments.