Letters from the I.R.S. will be arriving in Iowans’ mailboxes soon, but there’s no reason to fear. I.R.S.spokesman Christopher Miller says more than 130-million American households will be getting the letters, formally filling them in on the federal government’s upcoming rebate checks as part of the Economic Stimulus Payment Package.
“The mailings by the I.R.S.will begin the first week in March and they will continue through the month. The informational notice titled ‘Economic Stimulus Payment Notice’ will alert people that they may be eligible for this one-time stimulus payment up to $600 for individuals.” It could also bring couples up to $1,200.
Miller says most taxpayers will receive two notices from the I.R.S.in the coming weeks — the one just mentioned and then there will be a follow-up letter which he says is very important. Miller says: “The second notice will confirm the recipient’s eligibility for the payment, the payment amount and the approximate timetable for the payment. Taxpayers will need to save this notice to assist them when they prepare their 2008 tax return next year.”
Why should you save it? Miller says if you weren’t eligible this year or are not eligible for the full amount of the stimulus payment, you may be able to get it next year if your situation changes. Miller says be careful so you don’t fall victim to a scam.
He says: “If you get a letter or a phone call or an e-mail asking for personal financial information, it is a scam. It’s not from the I-R-S. The first letter from the I.R.S. about the Stimulus Payment Program will not ask about any information. It is just a general alert.” More details on special mailings for those on Social Security and veterans’ benefits will follow. Look to the I.R.S. website for more information.