By: Jake Jost, Investigative Producer WBIR
The Internal Revenue Service is preparing to deliver more than 130 million economic stimulus payments this spring and early summer.
The first round of payments is expected to be completed by early July, but there are some things you can do to ensure an earlier payment.
If you'd like to figure out the amount you are eligible to receive, click here to visit the IRS economic stimulus payment calculator.
Those who elect to receive their 2007 income tax return via direct deposit their bank accounts will find the economic stimulus payment also arrives earlier. Those payments are scheduled to begin the first week in May. You can find an estimated timeline at right.
Those who elect to receive their 2007 income tax return via a paper check will begin to receive payments in the third week of May. If you do not opt for direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed.
One thing to keep in mind is that workers, retirees, and those on disability who do not normally file a return should do so this year, if they wish to receive an economic stimulus payment. To be eligible, you must have a valid Social Security Number and have made $3,000 in income over the course of 2007. Disability and Social Security payments count toward that amount.
To ensure you receive your stimulus payment on the timeline below, you'll want to file by the April 15 deadline. On a jointly filed return, the first Social Security Number listed will determine the mail-out time.
The IRS notes that a small percentage of tax returns are expected to need extra processing, so some payments may be made after the timeline even if the return was received by April 15.
The last possible filing date to still receive the stimulus payment is October 15.
When you'll get your payment
The federal government has set up a timeline for the stimulus payments based on the last two digits of your Social Security Number. There are separate timelines for those using direct deposit and those receiving a paper check. Those using direct deposit will receive payments sooner. Check the left column for the last two digits of your SSN and the right column for the expected date payment will be sent.
Direct Deposit
00-20 May 2
21-75 May 9
76-99 May 16
Paper check
00-09 May 16
10-18 May 23
19-25 May 30
26-38 June 6
39-51 June 13
52-63 June 20
64-75 June 27
76-87 July 4
88-99 July 11