FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
Thursday, April 3, 2008

FONG: USE FREE FILE FOR FEDERAL REBATE

BISMARCK, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Cory Fong today reminded individuals who are only filing a federal tax return to claim the federal tax rebate to check into free electronic filing.

“The only way to claim the federal tax rebate is to file a 2007 federal tax return,” said Fong. “And the IRS has worked with online companies to provide the free efile service to individuals who are only filing a federal tax return in order to claim the federal rebate.”

This would include low-income wage earners who don't have to file a return because they make less than the amount that would require them to file an income tax return, and retired or disabled individuals who rely on a fixed income. People in this category could be eligible for a federal rebate, as long as they file a federal income tax return.

Individuals should go to the IRS web site, www.irs.gov, and access the Stimulus Payment section, which lists the affiliated free efile providers. The IRS recommends that people who wish to use the free efile for purposes of receiving the federal rebate should only access the online providers listed in the Stimulus Payment section.

“Qualified individuals filing a federal tax return simply to receive the Stimulus Rebate are not required to file a state return to obtain the rebate,” said Fong.

The IRS will begin issuing the federal stimulus tax rebate payments in May. Fong added that, for those taxpayers who are anticipating a refund and are eligible for the rebate, they will receive separate payments--one for the refund and a second one for the rebate.

“Individuals might be wondering if North Dakota considers the federal rebate as taxable income,” said Fong. “The good news is that the IRS does not consider it taxable income so North Dakota will not consider the rebate as taxable income either.”

For more information about the Federal Stimulus Rebate Payment, access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov or call the IRS 1.866.234.2942. The Tax Department also has information about the federal rebate on its web site at www.irs.gov/tax.

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