IRS: There's Still Time to Claim Rebate

The government on Friday sent out the last of the economic stimulus checks for people who filed tax returns before April 15.

But the Internal Revenue Service stressed that it's not too late for those who haven't yet filed returns to benefit from the payments.

The tax agency said it will continue processing tax returns and issuing stimulus checks for much of the year. In particular, it is urging some 5 million Social Security recipients and veterans who don't normally need to file returns to do so this year so they can qualify for checks.

It urged this group, and people who received extensions for filing, to file by October 15 to ensure they receive a payment before the end of the year.

The Treasury Department said that this week, the last week of mass disbursements, it sent out 7.5 million payments worth $5.8 billion. Cumulatively, it has made 112.4 million payments worth almost $92 billion as part of the stimulus package that Congress passed and President Bush signed into law last February.

Eligible individuals can receive up to $600, and married couples $1,200, plus $300 for eligible children younger than 17. For people such as retirees who have no tax liability or filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300, or $600 for married couples.

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On the Net:

IRS: http://www.irs.gov