The IRS has issued Notice 2008-28 explaining what individuals who are not otherwise required to file an income tax return for 2007, must do to receive an economic stimulus rebate. Basically, the individual must file a return containing certain information. For eligible individuals (or married couples filing jointly) who are not required to file an income tax return, but who had qualifying income in 2007 that equals or exceeds $3,000, the IRS will treat a Form 1040A for 2007 as a valid claim for refund in the amount of the 2008 economic stimulus payment. Eligible individuals should do the following:
- Write the words “Stimulus Payment” in the blank space at the top of page 1 of Form 1040A above the title of the form.
- Enter names, mailing address, and social security numbers on the appropriate lines of Form 1040A and enter filing status and exemption information on lines 1 through 6d of the form.
- Enter wages and other compensation (including net earnings from self-employment) received in 2007 on line 7 of Form 1040A.
- Enter qualifying income received in 2007 in the form of social security benefits, Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and certain veterans’ disability or survivor benefits on line 14a of Form 1040A. Individuals who do not have documentation of the exact amount of these government-provided benefits may estimate their annual benefit by multiplying their monthly benefit, before any deductions for withheld taxes or Medicare premiums, by the number of months during 2007 that they received the benefit.
- If they are members of the U.S. Armed Forces, enter any nontaxable combat zone compensation received in 2007 that they elect to treat as earned income on line 40b of Form 1040A.
- Complete lines 44b through 44d of Form 1040A if they want to request direct deposit of their economic stimulus payment into their account at a bank or other financial institution.
- Sign and date the form under the penalties of perjury statement, and enter the identifying information of any third party designee or paid preparer, if applicable, at the bottom of page 2 of Form 1040A.
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