NO! I’ve been getting lots of phone calls and emails from clients, family and friends.  Just to clear things up, it’s not taxable. The amount is needed to determine if you are entitled to an additional credit. This is called the Recovery Rebate Credit. Here are some reasons you would qualify for the credit.
 

• If you didn’t receive an economic stimulus payment in 2008
• If you received less than the maximum economic stimulus payment in 2008
• Families who gained an additional qualifying child in 2008
• Individuals who did not have a valid Social Security number in 2007 but who did receive one in 2008

I often times get forwarded emails from clients asking “is this true?”.  They generally have an email “supposedly” from the IRS saying that they have a refund and all they have to do is….”click on this link” to claim it.  YEAH RIGHT!!!

BEWARE!!!!!  It’s a scam!!!!!

Here are a few facts about the IRS that you might find useful: 

• They don’t want to pay tax refunds, so they will never send you an email (or a letter) for that matter saying…. “We owe you money”. PERIOD!
• The IRS generally communicates via snail mail and telephone (and of course, the occasional in person visit….to the people who ignore them….that’s another post!!)

Keep in mind the IRS does not send unsolicited emails about your taxes.  If you get an email that appears to be from the IRS, it may be an attempt to steal your private information.  Don’t click on any links in the message!!!  Forward the email to: phishing@irs.gov.

 Knowing and following this advice just might save your life.