Hi Christine,   I think the real danger is that the gov't has to borrow that $$$  ( from CHina ) and the long term cost of that is over-borrowing is visited on our great grand kids !

I believe it is the same as the advanced child credit. I don't believe it is paid back in full but it is taxed. I'm not sure about this but now you've picked my interest and I'll be investigating. Thanks for giving me a challenge today ;)

They (the Government) never said it was free money.  Its  an advance on next years return.  Its been done before.  The goal is that Americans take their "free money", head to mall and spend it, pumping it back into the economy, starving off layoffs, or take a trip, thus pumping it back into the economy. 

There are already adds running here from furniture stores, car dealers what not.  "Here we will file your taxes and let you use your tax refund and rebate check today.  Come on in and talk for details". 

I don't know what my wife's plan is for the money?  Hard to tell.  The last rebate we recieved, she said "I am obligated to help the country by spending this, and she did".  She is a registered Republican (just thought I would throw that in).  HAHA!! 

Chris, That just doesn't make sense.  If we are going to have to pay it back next year, then you would be smart to just put it in the bank so you would have it to pay back! That's the government for you!

yeah but in 2000 we got a rebate for 300 or so remember? and we didnt pay anything back.