Why Haven't I Gotten My Tax Rebate Check?

Many people are waiting to get their economic stimulus check in mail. But some people who are expecting a direct deposit may actually be getting a paper check. Here's a quick question and answer from the Internal Revenue Service to help explain:

Q. I chose direct deposit for my 2007 tax refund but also requested my electronic filing and/or tax preparation fees be deducted from my refund. How does that affect my stimulus payment?

A. If you requested that your electronic filing and/or tax preparation fee be deducted from the amount of your refund, you have entered into a financial agreement with the electronic filing provider or tax preparation provider, which is essentially equivalent to a refund anticipation loan (RAL). The money that was deposited into your bank account came from the financial institution associated with your electronic filing provider or tax preparation provider, not from the IRS. Taxpayers who use RALs or enter into any other loan or financial agreement with their tax professional cannot receive their stimulus payments by direct deposit and instead will get a paper check.

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