It's not often the government gives you a second chance at some extra cash if you miss out the first time.But that's the case with the Recovery Rebate Credit, part of the economic stimulus package that was passed by Congress in 2008. The idea was that if you put more money into the hands of consumers, they would start spending again and help spur more economic activity. The stimulus checks mailed out last year were actually an advance on the credit, the government's way of getting the money to people sooner.
Taxpayers got a maximum $600 each -- $1,200 if married filing jointly -- plus $300 per child. The credit started phasing out for individuals whose income was higher than $75,000, or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. For individuals who were eligible, the minimum payment was $300.
Second chance to collect stimulus credit