1、CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: How Did the 2008 Recovery Rebates Work? Margot L. Crandall-Hollick Acting Section Research Manager Updated March 19, 2020 In response to concerns about an economic slowdown stem
2、ming from the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers have been considering a broad array of policy options. Some are targeted directly toward individuals and industries that may be most affected. Others would more broadly seek to stimulate the economy. Among this latter category of policies, some have prop
3、osed direct cash payments sent to virtually all U.S. households. In 2008 Congress enacted direct cash paymentsthe 2008 recovery rebatesthat were tax credits advanced to households that had filed an income tax return. A portion of these credits were refundable and hence available to taxpayers with li
4、ttle to no income tax liability, including many low-income filers. (For answers to some common questions about advanced refundable tax credits, see CRS Insight IN11247). This Insight provides a brief overview of how those 2008 recovery rebates worked. 2008 Recovery Rebates On January 28, 2008, the H