Awaiting the Stimulus? Check Your Numbers.

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Not sure how much you're going to get? Go to the IRS Web site and use the economic stimulus payment calculator.

If you're in a rush to get your payment, file electronically and have your refund or stimulus payment deposited directly into your bank account. And for heaven's sake, don't pay to get a refund anticipation loan. This short-term loan backed by your refund is a waste of money that could probably be used to pay a bill.

If you have any last-minute queries about your tax return or the economic stimulus payment, join me online at noon April 10 at http://www.washingtonpost.com. IRS spokesman Dupree will be available to answer your questions.

ï¿½ On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

ï¿½ By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

ï¿½ By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

Comments and questions are welcome, but because of the volume of mail, personal responses are not always possible. Please note that comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.

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