Is it or isn't the rebate a loan... ARGGHH!!! Shouldn't we know the answer?

[Iwasthere]

... why is it such a secret? A loan is NOT going to help us out, especially the severely poor. IMO this is a twisted and sick joke!!! (if we have to pay it all back that is).

[pitohui]

1. i don't know, bumping in hope of getting an answer

i can't spend this if it is going to be coming out of my tax refund, which is already earmarked

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Payday loan.

[seriousstan]

3. It's a secret because the details haven't been worked out yet.

[jayfish]

4. Because No One Cares

They are desperate for the scraps.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. They'll let you know the terms after you've spent the money.

I'm kidding. Well, kind of.

If it's not been announced in clear language after it's been passed you can call the IRS and they'll let you know what the terms are before you ever get a check.

It's going to have to be paid back though, one way or another.

[unapatriciated]

6. The poor don't qualify for this loan

What they get is a boot to the head. That pushes them even further down. bush wasn't content in leaving flood victims and vets out in the cold, he wanted to make sure that all of the least among us from coast to coast enjoy the pleasure of sleeping under bridges. The major beneficiary is still corporate america.

"Pelosi, D-Calif., agreed to drop increases in food stamp and unemployment benefits during a Wednesday meeting in exchange for gaining the rebates of at least $300 for almost everyone earning a paycheck, including those who make too little to pay income taxes."

[Rick Myers]

7. Rebates allow companies to claim income, then 'rebate' it to the consumer

Bookkeeping sleight of hand!!!

[Johnny Noshoes]

8. I might be wrong

I might be wrong but I think it works like this: Let's say you would get a $900 tax refund next year. This "rebate" is an advance on that $900 so if the "rebate" is say $300 you take that from the expected return of $900 and you only get a $600 refund next year. It isn't a loan per say and you won't owe interest on it you're just getting a piece of next year's return early. It's not much of a stimulus package and its all smoke and mirrors. The whole house of cards is doomed to collapse and all of us "little" people ar going to be under the rubble when it finally falls.

[ileus]

9. added to your YTD taxes...