Washington, DC – The Treasury Department has announced that the Recovery Rebates from the Federal Government are going out ahead of schedule. Direct deposits of rebates started on Monday, April 28, ahead of the original May 2nd delivery date.  Tax payers that selected the direct deposit method on their tax returns will receive the rebates first.  Paper checks will go out beginning May 9. The exact timing for both direct deposit and paper checks depends on the last two digits of your Social Security number. The IRS aims to make 2.4 million payments by Thursday, and about 5 million on Friday.

“Families need these rebates for the rising cost of gas and groceries, and this will help get the economy moving.  These checks come at a time when families are struggling with the economic downturn,” said Rep. Baca.  “The strain on middle- and low-income families in our district demands a consideration of a second stimulus package.  As Co-Chair of the Out of Poverty Caucus, I have already reached out to the House Leadership for help in housing and the expansion and extension of benefits for lower-income families. Just as we did with the Recovery Rebates, we must find solutions for a long-term economic recovery for America.”

The rebates are the result of the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act, which became law in February.  The Act provides rebate checks of up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per married couple and an additional $300 per child.

“These rebates will be especially beneficial to households in the 43rd Congressional District,” added Rep. Baca. “With income levels lower than those throughout much of the state, our Inland families will be in line to benefit at an even greater rate from these individual Recovery Rebates.”

The Recovery Rebates are separate from traditional income tax refunds. The rebates are expected to help 130 million households nationally.  In California, it is estimated that the average household will receive $884 for a total of $11.8 billion statewide. 

Baca concluded, “Too many families in the Inland area are struggling just to make ends meet, and the current economic downturn is only making things worse.  Small businesses are the backbone of our Inland Empire economy.  People will use their rebates to support these businesses and give them the incentive to expand their operations, hire new workers and help our economy get back on track.” 

For more information on Recovery Rebates, go to www.irs.gov