Bush Signs $170 Billion Stimulus Package

Today President Bush is expected to sign the now $170 billion economic stimulus passed by Congress recently. He hopes that this will prevent a recession or lessen the impact. I’m not sure if it will work or not, but it sure will help a whole ton of low to middle income people. I’m not complaining about the free money!

Some changes to this bill from the $150 billion one was that tax breaks for equipment purchases by businesses, payments to disabled veterans and senior citizens were added. That’s where the extra $20 billion came from.

The rebate checks still range from $600 (for individual taxpayers) to $1,200 (for couples) plus $300 tax credit per dependent child under 17. The income cap (AGI – adjusted gross income) is also still at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers. If you don’t owe any income tax but had at least $3,000 in earned income or Social Security benefits you can qualify for $300 per person or $600 per couple. Also, you might be able to receive partial money if you go over the income limits. You will lose 5% over the income limit up to a certain amount.

You must file a federal tax return for the year 2007 to be eligible for the tax rebate even if you are not required to. You can expect the checks to start showing up between May and early July if you meet the April 15th tax deadline!

So what are you going to do with your tax rebate? Just leave a nice comment! I’m going to pay down debt and save some of it!

Like the post? Subscribe to this feed!