Are the 2008 federal tax rebate checks just an advance on next year's tax refunds?

The tax rebates are based on a reduction of your taxes in 2008. Basically, in 2008, the tax has been reduced by 10% on the first $3000 of your income (per taxpayer), and there is an additional tax credit for children. This amounts to $300 per individual, $600 per couple, and $300 per dependent child.

This is money advanced from your taxes this year, but you are getting the money back now rather than next year. HOWEVER, it will not affect your tax refund next year because the refund is based on an actual reduction in your taxes, rather than just being an advance on your normal refund next year.