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Late returns accepted to receive stimulus rebate

Those who qualify and don't owe taxes have until Oct. 15

By Harriet Johnson Brackey

May 4, 2008

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By Harriet Johnson Brackey

Tax season's over, but the Internal Revenue Service said it will accept late returns until Oct. 15 from anyone who qualifies for an economic stimulus rebate check and doesn't owe the federal government money.

"Don't worry if you did not file a return by April 15," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said in a statement. "If you meet the criteria, you are still eligible for a stimulus payment."

The IRS is trying to reach millions of people, including many retirees who normally aren't required to file tax returns because their incomes are too low or not taxable. Those people won't receive rebate checks unless they file returns.

It's likely that some people didn't realize that, or didn't know where to turn for help.

The IRS says its doors are still open for those who could not get the job done by April 15.

"We have received millions of stimulus payment returns and we expect millions more," IRS spokesman Michael Dobzinski said.

If you file by Oct. 15, the IRS says it can process stimulus payments by the end of the year.

The rebates range from $300 to $600 per person, including a payment for each child under 17 who qualifies.

Those who didn't need to file a return should not worry about facing a penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline, Dobzinski said.

You qualify for an economic stimulus payment if you have a Social Security number, are not claimed or eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, and you have "qualifying income" of at least $3,000. Your spouse and children must also have Social Security numbers. Children must have been under 17 as of Dec. 31.

Qualifying income, for this purpose, is money you earned; Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits; and certain veterans and railroad retirement benefits.

You can't use interest, dividends or capital gains or Supplemental Security Income to qualify.

If you need more help, you can drop into local IRS offices for assistance, visit www.irs.gov or call 800-829-1040.

Harriet Johnson Brackey is a columnist for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, a Tribune Co. newspaper.