THE LONGER YOU WAIT, THE LONGER IT WILL TAKE TO GET STIMULATED...

Putting off getting your taxes done may be costing you some sleep, may cost you penalties and finance charges, but it will delay your ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENT, since payments are based on your tax return.

To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment.

The IRS has a handy Economic Stimulus Payment Calculator on their site if you would like to see what your payment will be. Cool.