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In March, more than 130 million American households received IRS letters giving them general information about the economic stimulus payments. The letters also advised Americans that to receive a 2008 stimulus payment, they had to file a 2007 tax return.

Taxpayers who already filed using a 1040 Form to comply with the April 15 filing deadline do not need to do anything extra to receive their one-time economic stimulus payment.

A separate IRS mailing was sent in late March to people who no longer file tax returns—certain recipients of Social Security and veterans disability benefits—explaining what they will need to do to receive their one-time economic stimulus payment and providing the necessary guidance and forms.

You have until Oct. 15, 2008 to apply for an economic stimulus payment.

Income tax refunds will be made separately from the stimulus payments.

All communications will come from the IRS in writing. Avoid providing information to organizations or people who communicate in other ways. The IRS will never call or e-mail asking for your Social Security number or bank account information.

The IRS will never send a letter or e-mail asking for a response by phone or e-mail. IRS agents will not ask to come to a person's home for the purpose of an economic stimulus payment.

Never pay anyone or go through a third-party intermediary to apply for or speed up the payment process.

Always contact the IRS directly with any questions. To do that, you can call toll free, 800-829-1040 or go to the agency’s Web site, www.irs.gov.

The economic stimulus payment will be issued based on the last two digits of your Social Security number and whether you are receiving the payment by direct deposit or mail.

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