- Rebates: Don't Normally File A Tax Return? Use TurboTax Free Edition To Get Your Rebate
Rebates: Don't Normally File A Tax Return? Use TurboTax Free Edition To Get Your Rebate
Many people who don’t normally need to file an income tax return will qualify for a rebate, or what the IRS calls a "stimulus payment." TurboTax wants to make it easy -- whether you're filing for yourself, or helping a family member or friend to file this year.
If you don't usually file a tax return, you can learn whether you qualify by reading 2007 Rebates for Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Veterans' Beneficiaries and by using our Rebate Calculator. View the IRS schedule for sending out rebates here.
You can prepare and file a return using the Free Edition of TurboTax. There is no charge for Free Edition, which is intended for filers with simple returns. For more information on the rebates, view this article, Tax Rebate Plan.
Do not file a state return, if you are filing a federal tax return only to get a rebate.
Also, you will receive your rebate sooner if you choose to have it deposited directly to your bank or other account - instead of having it mailed to you. For more information, read "Stimulus Payment Schedule Is By The Numbers."
Create a User ID and a password, and write them down for future reference. Enter the requested personal information and select Done with Personal Info.
A page appears that says, "Great News, You May be Getting a Tax Rebate." Select Continue.
Where it says, "Are You Here Only to Get a Tax Rebate?" Select "Yes."
The first lets you enter Combat Pay on your W-2.
The second takes you to a page where you can enter:
- Your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits
- Your Veterans' Benefits
- Or more than one
After you enter your amounts, you’ll see a page that says, "Let’s Get You That Tax Rebate."
Click continue.
Continue to the Error Check.
If you are asked to purchase Audit Protection, click "No Thanks."
You need to skip the State Taxes section, because Free Edition is free for federal taxes, not state taxes. To get a rebate, you only need to file a federal tax return.
Follow the instructions to e-file your return or to print the return to file by mail.
When you see, "Select The Returns You're Ready to File," be sure to select the button that says:
- Do not e-file my state now, or
- Do not print my state return now
If you choose to e-file your return by computer with the IRS, you will need to "Sign" Your Return, by entering a PIN. Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is any four numbers that you choose.
Continue until you see the Review Your TurboTax fees screen. Your tax amount should be $0.
Make sure you enter your e-mail address before e-filing the return, so we can let you know when your return has been accepted.
If you want your rebate deposited directly to your bank or other account, enter the requested information. Or you can indicate if you want it mailed to you.
Transmit your return.
If you want to mail your return, rather than e-file, you can print it out and mail it. You will be asked whether you want to receive your rebate by direct deposit or as a check in the mail.
Select Continue, then print your Required Forms and Instructions. Click on Print/Save for Your Records, so you can view or make copies of your rebate tax return now or later.
Enjoy your rebate!
