Who qualifies for a 2008 tax rebate check?

You must possess some basic prerequisites to be eligible for the tax rebate. The Internal Revenue Service says, "To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return" [source: IRS].

Now for the explanations, exceptions and adjustments.

  • Taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers (ITINs) rather than Social Security numbers are not eligible.
  • Nonresident aliens won't get the rebate, as they cannot obtain Social Security numbers.
  • If you want to claim children under the age of 17, they must also have a Social Security number. Visit the Social Security Administration website if your child doesn't have one.

What if I live in a U.S. territory?
If you live in a U.S. territory, you will most likely get a rebate, as the U.S. Treasury will issue money to the governments of these territories for the rebate program. But, of course, there will probably be exceptions. Contact your local tax office for details.

  • To be eligible for the rebate, you must have at least $3,000 of income.
  • At the high end, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), which is your taxable income minus certain deductions, must not exceed specified caps to receive the full rebate.
  • If you file single, married and filing separately, or head of household, your rebate will be reduced if your adjusted gross income is over $75,000 per year.
  • If you file married and filing jointly, your rebate will be reduced if you make a combined $150,000 in adjusted gross income.
Rockefeller, Schumer, Baucus
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-WV) (left), Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) (middle), and Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) (right) discuss matters during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on 'The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.' The hearing took place on January 30, 2008.
  • Wages, salaries, tips, Social Security, some Railroad benefits, self-employment income and veterans' disability income count toward income requirements. Rental real estate income, pension income and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) don't count.
  • If either pension or SSI is your only income, you won't be eligible for the tax rebate, even if this income exceeds the minimum of $3,000.
  • Even if you meet all other qualifications, if you don't file a 2007 federal income tax return, you won't receive the tax rebate.
  • So now that you know whether you qualify, find out how much you could be getting on the next page.