SOUTH BEND — The April 15 deadline to file your income taxes is a little less than two months away, but it’s never too early to start. There is some important information you should be thinking about now.

Many tax professionals say they’re getting a lot of questions lately about the government rebate checks. Local Jackson Hewitt Manager Pam Zahrt said many people want to know what the check is and how it affects them.

The amount on the check has to do with your marital status, the age of your children and how much money you make, Zahrt said. There are also minimum and a maximum earned incomes that do not qualify for the rebate check.

“Also this year they’re considering for people who have social security benefits, [and] there’s disability for veterans,” explained Zahrt. “So people who normally maybe didn’t have to file a federal return need to come in and find out if they qualify for the rebate. You have to file a federal return in order to qualify for the rebate.”

Zahrt also said the sooner you file, the better. You have to file an income tax return in order to receive a rebate check. Zarht said the government hasn't released an official schedule yet, but those who file their income taxes sooner, will likely be able to get both their government rebate check and their income tax refund check sooner.

“If you have a refund coming, the sooner you file obviously you’re going get your money back [for income taxes],” she said. “And if you owe, it’s going to allow you some time to plan for where you’re going to come up with that money if you didn’t expect to owe.”

If you have questions about filing, tax professionals suggest taking your information to a local tax expert.