Don't count on rebate checks: 6 Reasons You Shouldn't Count on Rebate Check

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Most Americans will soon receive rebate checks from the IRS worth anywhere between $300 to $1,200 or more, and many businesses have already launched marketing campaigns hoping to lure those potential customers.

Yet, many folks will not be eligible for a check at all and could end up in a bind if they've already hit the mall and put extra charges on their credit cards, counting on the rebate cash.

The global tax firm of Grant Thornton says if you belong to any of the following six categories of taxpayers, you should think twice before charging a purchase with plans to pay it off with that "free" government money. You may not be eligible for a rebate -- or at least not for a full or timely one -- if:
1. You owe the tax man money.
2. You make too much money.
3. You don't make enough money.
4. You don't file a tax return.
5. You're just unlucky.
6. You don't have a valid Social Security Number.

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