By Liz F. Kay , Sun reporter|April 15, 2008
The check's in the mail. Sort of.
Today is the last day for most people to settle up on their federal and state income taxes. But this year, citizens, including late filers who usually owe money, have something to look forward to: cash back, care of their government.
In coming months, in addition to refunds for overpaid income taxes, Americans - if they qualify - can expect a check from the federal government designed to boost the economy. And for Marylanders, there's more: a credit on their gas and electric bill negotiated by the state.
The precise terms of some of these payments are still being worked out, but the economic stimulus payments are expected to start hitting the mail in May. The approximately $170 Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. credit approved by the Maryland General Assembly last week will show up on bills by the end of the year, according to the settlement.
"I'm glad to get some money back. It'll be great," said Mishana Prophete, 27, a nursing student who commutes to Howard University from Mount Vernon.
"As a scholarship student, every dollar's accounted for," she said. Receiving money unexpectedly is a pleasant surprise, she said.
Meanwhile, those who qualify will receive from the federal government economic stimulus payments ranging from $300 to $600, or double that amount for married couples filing jointly.
Eligibility for economic stimulus payments includes anyone who receives at least $3,000 in wages, Social Security benefits, certain Veterans Affairs disability or survivor benefits or railroad retirement. Supplemental Security Income cannot be counted toward the $3,000. The rebates will be sent out between May 2 and May 16 to people who requested direct deposit on their tax returns, with the issue dates based on the last two digits of the filer's Social Security number.
For those who opted for a paper check, the IRS will mail their rebates from May 16 to July 11, with that order also based on Social Security numbers.
Those who qualify for a rebate must file a tax return to get it, even if they do not usually file.
IRS staff members will help people who are not ordinarily required to fill out a return at Taxpayer Assistance Centers statewide, said agency spokesman Jim Dupree. They have until Oct. 15 to file if they want to receive a return by the end of the year.
