The other day I received a letter from Congress telling about the “economic stimulus” rebate that President Bush and the folks on Capitol Hill think will breathe life into a slumping economy. The letters to tell us about the $160 billion stimulus package cost us only $42 million.

Although many intend to use their meager share of the refund to pay down debt, some will use it on vacations, and other will use it to do exactly what the president and others want to happen — put it back into the economy, providing financial strength.

So, what will you do with your refund?

Well, for many the key might be nothing if they don’t file a return. Many people haven’t filed a return in years, so they had better get in a hurry as April 15 is just a few days away.

According to irs.gov, “Under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, more than 130 million American households will receive economic stimulus payments beginning in May. The only way to get one is to file a federal tax return for 2007. This filing requirement also applies to some people who do not normally file, including many low-income people and recipients of Social Security, certain benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs and certain Railroad Retirement benefits.”

For 2007 only, those benefits qualify as income so that a person can file a tax return.

According to the South Carolina Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging, “Seniors should complete 2007 Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 or Form 1040A, entering name, address, Social Security number and filing status. You will also need to indicate the amount of benefits reports in January on Form 1099-SSA. If you normally do not file a tax return, you will need to write the words ‘Stimulus Payment’ at the top of your 1040 or 1040A.”

Should you need help, call the Office on Aging toll-free: 1-800-868-9095.

So get moving, and don’t get left out. And if you know someone who doesn't know the rules, please refer them to the correct place for help.