Take the Snail Out of the Rebate Mail

"It depends on the parents' income level," Dupree said. "Phaseout reduction begins at $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers."

There is an economic stimulus payment calculator at http://www.irs.gov to help you determine your stimulus payment, if you qualify. But Dupree also offered an example of how the phaseout works: Let's say you're a married couple with two children. Your adjusted gross income is $160,000. If not for the $160,000 income, you would be entitled to a rebate of $1,200 and qualifying child payment of $600 ($300 per child). You total payment would have been $1,800.

However, because you're $10,000 over the phaseout, your stimulus payment is reduced by $500 -- the amount of income over $150,000 multiplied by 5 percent. In this case, you still get $1,300.

There was a question from a widower who has three teenage children and who files as a head of household.

"Does my filing status affect my payment, or will I simply get $600 as a single taxpayer?" he asked.

Dupree answered: "If your spouse died in 2007 or 2008 and you filed a joint 2007 return already, you will receive the payment for both you and your spouse. If she died prior to 2007, you will get a payment for yourself (single) and each of your qualifying children."

Got more questions? Go to the IRS Web site and look for its Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center. The link is on the home page. Just click on "Rebate Questions?" For stimulus-specific questions, you can also call the IRS volunteer hotline at 800-906-9887.

In the information section, you should be able to find answers about the rebate, including a payment schedule and several examples of who qualifies for a check. Also read the "Frequently Asked Questions" page.

Now go do your taxes if you haven't already.

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

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

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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