No Return, No Rebate, Warns IRS

Even people who didn't make enough money last year to be required to file a tax return are going to have to do so this year—if they want to get their rebates under President Bush's $170 billion economic stimulus plan, Reuters reports. The IRS is planning an information blitz to make eligible people, especially Social Security recipients, aware that they have to file or they won't see a penny.

Tax returns showing an income over $3,000 will qualify the filer for a rebate of $300, or $600 for a couple, plus $300 for each dependent child. Most taxpayers will qualify for twice that much. "Even if you did not otherwise earn enough to file a return, you will need to file a tax return. You must to do so to receive a payment," an IRS official explained. The bureau is expecting up to 20 million extra returns. (More economic stimulus package stories.)