Published by the IRS

Most taxpayers who received the economic stimulus payment last year will not be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2008 federal income tax returns. A small number of taxpayers who did not receive the full economic stimulus payment last year may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2008 federal income tax return. Figuring the Recovery Rebate Credit incorrectly or entering inaccurate information will delay the processing of your tax return and any refund due.

Below are the four things every taxpayer should know about this one-time credit, which is related to last year’s Economic Stimulus Payment:

1. You do not have to pay back your Stimulus Payment and the payment is not taxable.

2. Less than an estimated 3 percent of taxpayers are eligible. The vast majority of taxpayers are not eligible to receive the Recovery Rebate Credit.

3. Did you have a major life change? If so, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Some of the major factors that could qualify you for the Recovery Rebate Credit include:

Your financial situation changed dramatically from 2007 to 2008.

You did not file a 2007 tax return.
Your family gained an additional qualifying child in 2008.
You were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return in 2007, but cannot be claimed as dependent by someone else in 2008.

4. Any Recovery Rebate Credit amount will be included in your refund. The IRS will figure the credit for you and include it in your refund or put it toward any taxes owed.

Links:

Information provided by the IRS

The recovery rebate credit is available to individuals who did not get the economic stimulus payment last year. Most taxpayers who received the economic stimulus payment last year will not be able to claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2008 federal income tax return.
Here are some quick links to help you determine whether you qualify for the credit and how to claim it:

Avoid mistakes. Review these tips and avoid errors that could needlessly delay your refund.
To claim the recovery rebate credit, you’ll need to know whether you got a stimulus payment last year, and if so, how much. Our online tool, How Much Was My Stimulus Payment?, will get you the answer right away.

For more details, visit the the Recovery Rebate Credit Information Center.