Rebate Bribe: Don’t Buy It!
April 24, 2008
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I’m mad as he– about the Rebate being sent out by Uncle George and the yahoo Senators and Representatives! This is costing us arm and a leg just to send it out (including letters to all taxpayers, re-tooling the IRS computers, and preparing the payments — and that doesn’t address where the money for the rebate is coming from) that our country just does not have. And it’s all about politics!
So, I’m voting with my pocketbook and I’m not spending it! The folks over at The Simple Living Network have started a NonViolent Protest called “Don’t Buy It, Change the Economy, Put Your Rebate to Work!” They list a number of ways you can participate.
- Pay down high interest credit cards or other debts.
- Put your rebate in a savings account.
- Donate your rebate to those working to end poverty, promote environmental responsibility, peace, justice, or equal rights for all.
- If you must buy something, purchase goods and services that support your local economy or save money, energy and resources in the end:
- Locally grown fruits and vegetables
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Water heater blankets
- Water saving showerheads
- Insulation (and a local, self-employed contractor to install it)
- Don’t stop: do the same with your 2007 tax refund.
- Put “Don’t Buy It” In Your Signature Line. Here’s an example:
“Wake Up & Smell The Rebate - Don’t Buy It - www.SimpleLiving.net”
They also have logos you can add to your signature or website.
- Write your Elected Officials. Here’s a sample you can use:
| Dear Representative,This email is to notify you that I will not use my tax rebate on consumer spending. I believe the rebate is a misguided attempt to bolster an unsustainable economic system. I will not use this bribe money to support consumption as an economic solution, deficit spending, predatory lending, unaffordable health care, tax cuts for the wealthy, and war over oil and religious ideology.
Rather than support that decision by spending this rebate on consumer goods, I will: 1) pay down my debts. If our government continues on this path, I will also use my 2007 tax refund similarly. How we spend our money is how we vote for what exists in this world. I am registering my vote with you. Sincerely, [your name here] |
They also have a Flyer you can download at Wake Up & Smell the Rebate and put up around town.
See the previous post for a way to get an additional 10% out of your rebate when you spend it on groceries.
Warmly, Cindy
P.S. My rebate is going into college funds for my teenagers.
Can I still Get My Old Tax Refunds?
April 11, 2008
This is part of our Financial Literacy Month Question and Answer series
Question: Can I still get my 2005, 2006 or 2007 refund?
Answer: If you didn’t file a tax return in 2005, 2006 or 2007, there’s still time.
But, for 2004, it’s too late because there’s a 3 year statute of limitations on refunds from the date it was originally due.
So you have until April 15, 2009 for a 2005 refund and April 15, 2010 for 2006. But why wait? The IRS isn’t paying interest!
This is all true for state refunds, too. In most cities, you can still get in to H&R Block to have your old returns completed. (Note: I am an H&R Block tax preparer licensed by Oregon).
There’s no penalty for filing late but if you have back IRS taxes, child support or student loans, you may not get it all back. Any refund you have coming to you will be applied to those debts, first. But at least you won’t owe them any more (or your balance will be lower).
If you want to do it yourself, you can download a 2004 Form 1040 from IRS.gov. If you need other forms, you can get them from the Prior Year Forms. Instruction booklets are also there.
NOTE: the IRS won’t send you a 2005 refund if you haven’t filed for 2006 and 2007.
Your Economic Stimulus check will also be “snagged” if you have back tax debt.
What are you waiting for?
Warmly, Cindy
