WASHINGTON -- Consumer confidence is on the skids, yet President Bush is optimistic that tax rebates and help for homeowners will adequately jump-start the economy.

In its quest to put $168 billion of economic stimulus payments - or tax "rebates" - into American consumers' hands this year, something has stumped the Internal Revenue Service: How will it find 22 million retirees and veterans plus millions of low-income workers who won't get stimulus checks unless they file a 2007 tax return?

Where to get free help with rebate forms | Tax GuideIn its quest to put $168 billion of economic stimulus payments - or tax "rebates" - into American consumers' hands this year, something has stumped the Internal Revenue Service:

The Internal Revenue Service expects to begin distributing tax rebates by direct deposit on May 1 or 2 and by mail a week later, IRS Acting Commissioner Linda Stiff said Friday. The IRS plans to announce the order of distribution next week.

On Wednesday, President Bush is expected to sign the economic stimulus bill that provides tax rebates to most low- and middle-income Americans. Here are details of the plan, along with answers to questions about it from readers.

WHAT'S IN, WHAT'S OUT What made it into the $152 billion economic stimulus package approved Thursday by Congress, and what didn't: What's in Tax rebates: At least $300 to almost everyone earning a paycheck, including low-income earners.

STIMULUS HIGHLIGHTS Tax rebates: Checks ranging from $300 to $1,200 to most U.S. wage earners, disabled veterans and seniors living on Social Security.

The biggest winners in the economic rescue plan now awaiting President Bush's signature are likely to be Americans with more expensive homes who will be able to refinance their home loans at cheaper rates. For those who can take advantage of them, the bill's mortgage market provisions are likely to give more of a long-term financial boost than the tax rebates of $600 directed to individuals and ...

Congress is plowing ahead with a plan to stimulate consumer spending by issuing tax rebates, even though most Americans say they would save them or use them to pay off debt.

House and the Bush administration agree on a plan including tax rebates and higher limits on home loans. Hoping to jolt the ailing economy -- and counter criticism that Washington is too divided to come to Americans' aid -- House leaders and the Bush administration reached a deal Thursday on a package of tax breaks and mortgage rules designed to put more money in consumers' hands and stimulate business investment.