You may be entitled to a stimulus rebate. If you did not qualify for the government's stimulus check last summer based on your 2007 income but suffered a blow to your earnings in 2008, you may be eligible to apply for a recovery-rebate credit on your 2008 return. The stimulus checks were for as much as $600 per person or $1,200 per couple and phased out at annual incomes of $75,000 per person ($150,000 for couples). "One in five people is owed something," says Amy McAnarney, executive director of the Tax Institute at H&R Block. Lost income is your most likely qualifier. But a change in filing status marrying, getting a divorce or having a baby might also trigger a tax credit under the recovery program.
10 Valuable Tips for Tax Season
Looking for a tax credit, a rebate or some juicy deductions? Here are 10 ways to make April 15 a rewarding day.