Social Security Numbers Determine Order of Rebate Check Deliveries

By George Yaksick, Washington Staff Writer

The federal government is planning on sending tax rebate checks to taxpayers in May, once you have filed your 2007 federal tax return, due April 15. But for those procrastinators waiting until the last minute to file their joint returns, you may be able to move up your position in line for getting those rebate checks.

The order of rebate check distribution is based on the last two digits of the taxpayer's Social Security number. On a jointly filed return, the first Social Security number listed will determine the mail-out time. And these joint filers can choose which of the two Social Security numbers to list first, so that their rebate check may go out sooner.

An IRS spokesperson said that no matter which joint filer is listed first, it shouldn't cause the IRS any problems, whether with computer matching of past returns or otherwise. As long as the correct Social Security number matches with the correct name, listing spouses in any order is permitted and, apparently, will make no difference--except in the mailing of the rebates.

However, the IRS continues to emphasize that the distribution schedule does not guarantee that any particular taxpayer will receive his, her, or their rebate payment under that schedule, since there may be a variety of reasons for pulling a small number of those payments out of the line.

For those who file electronically, flipping the sequence in which spouses appear on the return for an earlier payment seems hardly worth the risk, despite IRS assurances, since at best a payment would be accelerated by two weeks: direct deposits for 00 last digits start May 2 and for 99 last digits end May 16.

On the other hand, paper checks, for those who filed traditional paper forms, will be mailed based on a much longer schedule, starting May 16 and not ending until July 11.

For more help with the many tax changes that may affect you for the 2007 tax filing season and beyond, take a look at the Toolkit Tax Guide 2008. This easy-to-understand book helps taxpayers--including individuals and entrepreneurs--manage their taxes so they can better prepare their 2007 tax returns, as well as begin planning for 2008. It also includes free income tax preparation of a state and federal return and e-filing with CompleteTax^TM, CCH's easy-to-use online tax return service for individuals. Toolkit Tax Guide 2008 is available in major retail and online bookstores nationwide; via the Business Owner's Toolkit bookstore; or by calling 1-800-248-3248.

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Posted April 2, 2008.