Do my parents need to file a tax return to get their $1,200? They usually don't need to file a tax return because they live on social security. Should they file anyway to get the money?

My understanding is ONLY the people that file this year will get the refund money. Whether or not your parents are on social secuity does not matter, they should be filing returns each year regardless.

Federal stimulus payments will be made to select taxpayers who have no tax liability, such as low-income workers or those who receive Social Security benefits or veterans’ disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in year 2007.

These taxpayers will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income.

Consult with your tax professional to review your tax situation and to consider all tax issues.

I appreciate the info. I will have my parents file their tax return, some government money is better than none