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.

WHERE'S MY TAX REFUND? YOU CAN FIND OUT ONLINE...

It's April, bringing heartburn to some (probably most of us) who push doing our taxes right up to the deadline, and anticipation to others who are waiting for their return. Can't do much to help with the heartburn except recommend mint tea and better planning next year, but to those wondering where their return is, guess what? You can find it online! Just click here to go to the IRS INDIVIDUALS page and follow the instructions. You have to wait at least three weeks since you filed electronically or six weeks if you filed by mail, to get your answer.

To get to your personal refund information, be ready to enter your:

• Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
• Exact refund amount shown on your return

Don’t fall for any email scams about your refund! IRS never initiates emails!