The Chronic Consumer

There’s good news for people who didn’t receive a rebate check from the IRS this year as part of the government’s economic stimulus package. If you didn’t qualify based on your 2007 tax return, you could qualify based on your 2008 return — particularly if you’ve been laid off or your income dropped dramatically because of the bad economy.

I just read an article saying that another $10 billion in rebates will be distributed in 2009, and the IRS will soon post guidelines on their website telling you how to figure out if you qualify for a rebate.

Rebates come in different amounts based on a variety of factors, beginning at $300 or $600 per individual, and culminating at $1,200 per married couple. Additionally, each child claimed on your tax return could net as much as $300 as well.

Most of my friends received rebates in 2008, and were able to use the money for a variety of things ranging from home improvement repairs to paying off credit card debt. One guy I know even put his rebate towards CDL training so he could get a better job, which I thought was a smart move. No matter what you end up doing with it, a rebate check from the IRS can really make a difference in your finances.

Anyway, keep checking back at the IRS website for more info and get your taxes filed on time this year!