irs

Ordinarily, word that the IRS is looking for you would be cause for concern, especially if you're selling moonshine out of your garage.

But if you're retired or a disabled veteran, the IRS is seeking you for a pleasant reason: The government wants to give you a check.

You have until midnight to file your 2007 federal tax return or to ask the IRS to cut you some slack with an extension. Doing nothing will cost you.

If you expect to earn self-employment income this year, or plan to cash in some of your investments, you should familiarize yourself with the rules governing estimated taxes.

Otherwise, you could find yourself paying a penalty next April, even if you've sent the IRS a check for the amount you owe.

Tardy taxpayers beware: Today is tax day. So get to work, or ask the IRS to cut you some slack with an extension.

But file something today.

The IRS says tax rebates will start going out on May 2. Commentator and behavioral economist Dan Ariely says the government might not realize it, but the way we get our cash will affect the way we spend it.

Most taxpayers will get anywhere from $600 to $1,200 from Uncle Sam as part of the federal plan to stimulate the economy.

But many taxpayers will use the money to pay down debts instead. So, the IRS isn't taking any chances. Rico Gagliano reports.

The IRS announced last week that it will start distributing the money on May 2, based on the last two digits of your Social Security number.

For married couples, the schedule will be based on the Social Security number of the spouse whose name appears first on the return.

Though you can't change your Social Security number, there are other steps you can take to speed your rebate, even if your last two digits fall at the high end of the range.

The government estimates 1.3 million taxpayers who neglected to file a 2004 return are eligible for rebates.

But they need to act soon. 

The IRS will begin sending out the first of 130 million economic stimulus checks May 2. When you get yours depends on your Social Security number.

The IRS on Monday said it would begin sending out 130 million tax rebate payments aimed at boosting the economy on May 2.