IRS Announces Rebate Schedule

Tell Us: How will you spend your tax rebate?

Questions, answers on rebate checks under the economic rescue plan

Louisville, Ky (WHAS11) - Tax rebate checks are on the way, and just in time for many people starting to feel the effects of the troubled economy.  Knowing that most people are planning to use that extra cash to pay off bills, some retailers are finding creative ways to lure that money into their stores instead.  

Many retailers are dangling some very enticing deals and promotions to customers.  It’s an effort to get people to spend that extra cash in a way that will stimulate the economy, and of course, generate some extra business for those companies offering the incentives.

Like many consumers, Mik Saukovich is planning to spend his tax rebate check paying off bills.

Mik Saukovich says, “I have a home equity loan that I’ve been trying to pay off on and that’s where that money is going to... is paying off our home equity loan.”

But now, Mik has a new plan... he’s going to spend at least some of that extra cash right here at Kroger.

Through a new “tax rebate check plan,” customers can use their rebate checks to buy Kroger gift cards.  When you buy a 300 dollar card, the company will add an extra ten percent to the card, making it worth 330 dollars.

Tim McGurk, Kroger Mid/South District Manager of Customer Relations says, “We want to grab more of our share of those checks into Kroger and we know it’s gonna help our customers at the same time.”

And shoppers agree...

Mary Bechschacher says, “I shop at Kroger all the time, so yeah, I’d probably go ahead and do maybe a $300 one and use the rest of the money for something else.”

Other companies have similar plans.  Sears and Kmart are also giving customers an extra ten percent when they cash in their rebate checks for gift cards.  Staples is offering people extra savings on their website in their “economic stimulus center.”  And Home Depot is encouraging people to take their checks and “go green,” by buying energy saving light bulbs and energy star appliances.

Joe Austry, Home Depot Store Manager says, “Changing one incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent light bulb is an annual average savings of $46 a year.”

Jan Miller, shopper, says, “If you’re saving two dollars in energy a week on a light bulb, you’re saving money.”

...and in today’s economy, that’s really what it’s all about.

Some of the stores require you to bring your actual rebate check or proof of direct deposit to take advantage of these programs.  Most, don’t start until Friday, but between now and then, you are likely to see other retailers jumping onboard with their own incentives to encourage consumers to spend their tax rebate checks.  For example, Wal-Mart plans to announce their plan later this week.

I am buying gas to help the oil companies and their share holders rake in billions in profit. Someone said millions but it is actually in the billions. We would not want the poor oil company owners to go destitute.

I will use my check to pay bills and get gas. My driving has been VERY LIMITED due to the ungodly price in gas not to mention not using the ac to save on gas in my car. Buy a few things for my 2 year old son and put half of it up to save for my own home I hope to get soon.

by somefood for my home

I will spend the money on gas to get to work! they should have sent out gas vouchers instead.

We are planning on saving what we can but I don't know with these outragious gas prices.

SAVING FOR VACATION FOR NEXT YEAR

I plan to donate it to Dick Cheney. He needs a new shotgun. Or to President Bush to buy a book for his new library.

its the big 52inch LCD all the way here!!!!

Although the stimulus check was a bit of a stupid idea with us having a deficit, I can't complain about having extra money to put into my savings account to earn interest.

Make too much money and don't get one :(

Make too much and don't get one :(

With the economy in the horrific shape it is in it will take more than a drop in the bucket "STIMULUS" check to have any relief or be able to really enjoy it, like a vacation. It would be nice instead of or along with if the oil influenced president that we have would do something about the price of fuel but instead he is looking out for his best interest and continuing to make his bank account fat at the same time.

I donated my $1,200 to Barack Obama's campaign.

Thanks for Check!

Car tune up to save on gas, gas, gas, and did I say gas? I am seriously thinking of taking a lower paying job to have a shorter commute, and pay less in gas!

I will use it to buy gas to go back and forth to work.

well its a toss up between, paying a few bills, using part for groceries,and a 5 day visit with relatives in june get togeither. along with being on fix income. and the govn't back in 80's saying they were going to build two refineries. one on the west coast and another around in the southern states. on top of all this they knew way in advance that this time was coming and may even get worse. and they still play around with lets add a couple more mi. to the gall. and of course china is going to out due us in productivity with in the next l0yrs. as we give everything away. then they talk about the food prices, we had farmers in the past but shut them down to produce less to help the forign countries now we can't take care of our own country buniness! and its late and brain lock has set in again. and the family members thinks i have this conspiracy theory in the head.

I will be spending my rebate on bills because of the increase cost of living. Everything keeps going up except my salary. There should be away the goverment could figure out away to help everyone out with that.

I will first fill up the car with gas, pay a bill, buy pads for outside furniture and buy summer clothes.

I would like to thank President Bush for his assistance. Not all of my fellow Kentuckians are rich like Senator Obama, but we do "love this Country" and would never go to church where a minister preaches racism and hate toward the USA!!! May God Bless American with there type individuals as elected officials.
Sincerly, george W. Parish

How will you spend your tax rebate?