In response to errors showing up on early tax filings, the Internal Revenue Service urged taxpayers to make sure they properly determine eligibility for the recovery rebate credit before they file their 2008 federal tax returns.

To avoid delays in tax refunds, it is critical that taxpayers know the correct amount of the stimulus payment they received last year, if any, to help determine whether they qualify for the recovery rebate credit now.

How to Get Recovery Rebate Credit Right

The IRS sent taxpayers nearly 119 million stimulus payments last year. There are three ways individuals can find out how much they received:

Check the amount listed on Notice 1378, which the IRS mailed last year to individuals who received the economic stimulus payment.

Go to the “How Much Was My Stimulus Payment?” tool that is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov. This can provide the correct amount in a matter of a few seconds. Individuals can call the IRS at 1-866-234-2942. After a brief recorded announcement they can select option one to find out the amount of their economic stimulus payment.