New tax issues for 2009

• Your stimulus payment from last year should not be included as income when you file your 2008 tax return. Most people received the maximum Economic Stimulus Payment in 2008. However, some people may be eligible for a first time credit or for a larger payment than they were eligible for last year. This amount is called a Recovery Rebate Credit . You'll need to have the amount of your Stimulus Payment from last year so you can figure out whether or not you're eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Use this link to determine your amount from last year. https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof/IRServlet?app=IRACTC&selectLanguage=en
• People have asked about claiming hurricane damage (apparently talking about it some in the media). They can use Form 4684 to claim. We have the form but not the instructions. Additional instructions are in Publication 547.