Many taxpayers have made simple errors on their 2007 returns that are delaying stimulus payments. In a recent news release, IRS identified the most common mistakes and misconceptions:

Filing more than one return. Some taxpayers are filing both a paper and an electronic return in an effort to speed up the process, but this only slows it down. When IRS receives two returns, payments are delayed. It takes IRS up to 12 weeks to process the paper returns.

Listing monthly instead of annual income. Taxpayers should list their annual amount of qualifying income. Qualifying annual income includes at least $3000 in earned income, combat pay, or benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

Small tax liability reduces payment amount. Some taxpayers who have little or no tax liability may get a smaller stimulus check than they expected. The law provides for a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $600 for individuals OR an amount equal to a taxpayer's tax liability, whichever is less. If people have no tax liability, but have at least $3000 in qualifying income, they will be eligible for the minimum $300 stimulus payment.

Amending 2007 returns won't fix stimulus error. In general, if taxpayers make a mistake which results in no stimulus payment, filing an amended return will not result in an adjustment of the payment amount this year. Rather, such taxpayers will have another chance to claim the full payment when they file their 2008 tax returns in 2009. Only low-income individuals and recipients of Social Security, railroad retirement or certain veteran's benefits who filed their original returns before IRS issued guidance for their situation will be able to get a stimulus payment based on a 2007 amended return.

Wrong address A number of payments are going to old addresses and are thus being returned to the IRS. If taxpayers move after filing for the stimulus checks, they must make some provision for having their mail forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service or they must file a Form 8822 Change of Address notice with the IRS immediately. The IRS has already issued 90 percent of the economic stimulus payments but expects to issue more through December 2008. Taxpayers can track the status of their payments on www. irs.gov, under the link to "When Will You Get Your Stimulus Payment?"