AUGUSTA -- The last of the economic stimulus checks will go out today under the planned payment schedule, which was a timetable for tax returns filed before April 15. However, the Internal Revenue Service will continue processing tax returns and issuing economic stimulus checks for much of the year. It is not too late to file a return to claim an economic stimulus payment. The IRS urges people to file by October 15 to ensure they receive a payment prior to year's end. It can take up to eight weeks for the IRS to process the return and issue the check.

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement. The IRS is continuing to work with numerous state, local and national partners to reach those people and help them file a simple Form 1040A.

Here are some links to IRS.gov regarding the economic stimulus payments:

• Haven't received your payment yet: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=181997,00.html
• Where's My Stimulus Payment (online application to check status of the payment): www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=181665,00.html
• Form 1040A-3 for retirees, disabled veterans and others who normally don't file a return: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/k1040a3.pdf
• Treasury News Release Cumulative Economic Stimulus Payment Totals: www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1077.htm
• IRS' Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html