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Under pressure from seniors and House Democratic leaders, Congress gave final approval to a stimulus package that includes $300 rebates for 20 million low-income older Americans and 250,000 disabled veterans.

But anytime money is involved, you can bet a scam is likely to follow. Michelle Eldridge, chief of national media relations for the IRS, sat down with the Bulletin to discuss the latest tax scams and how you can avoid falling into con artists' traps during tax season.

Rebate Recap

How much do I get?
$300/individuals or $600/couple, for Social Security recipients, disabled vets with $3,000-plus income.
$600 for single tax filers with up to $75,000 adjusted gross income. Rebate reduced for singles (with no children) after $75,000; eliminated at $87,000.
$1,200 for couples filing jointly with AGI of $150,000 or less. Rebate reduced for couples (with no children) after $150,000; eliminated at $174,000.

How do I get my rebate?
You must file a 1040A tax form, even if you don’t normally do so. Rebates will be sent out starting in late May.

Where can I go for help?
For legitimate information from the IRS, go online to www.irs.gov, or call 1-800-829-1040. File complaints about fake calls and e-mails with the IRS or your state Attorney General’s Office. For more on the stimulus payments and help with tax returns, go to www.aarp.org/stimulus. To get a 1040A form, download it at www.irs.gov.