The last batch of direct-deposit stimulus payments is scheduled to go out this week to electronic early birds: qualifying taxpayers who 1) arranged for direct-deposit of their refunds and 2) filed early enough to have their tax returns processed by April 15. After this week, other folks can start to expect their payments, either by direct deposit or by paper check. In general, you'll get your stimulus payment the same way you got your refund. (For guidance on when yours might arrive, check the IRS's payment schedule).

As I've mentioned before, there are a number of reasons why you might not get your stimulus payment by direct-deposit even if you got your refund that way. That can be frustrating, but not the end of the world. You should get the payment by paper check, most likely by July 11.

But even early birds who already have received their stimulus payments aren't necessarily singing a happy tune. A number of readers tell me they expected much more. The IRS says it will be sending hard-copy notices to taxpayers to explain the calculations it used to determine their payments. So sit tight.

While you're waiting for that notice, however, you can read the IRS's general explanations, below, for lower-than-expected stimulus payments. Foremost, keep in mind that the stimulus payments of $600 per single/head-of-household filer and $1,200 per married couple are maximum amounts, not flat sums. They can be less, depending on your income.

You might not get the maximum stimulus payment because:

* You are single and your net income tax liability is less than $600. If you file Form 1040 net income tax liability is the amount shown on Line 57, plus the amount on Line 52.
* You are married and your net income tax liability is less than $1,200.
* You are single and your adjusted gross income (AGI) is more than $75,000. On Form 1040, AGI is the amount on Line 37.
* You are married filing a joint return and your AGI is more than $150,000.
* You owe back taxes.
* You have non-tax federal debts such as unpaid student loans or child-support obligations.

I'd add that dependent chidlren age 17 and over don't qualify for the $300-per-child stimulus payment. Adult dependents don't qualify either.

Look for more at the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov. If you're still not satisfied upon seeing your IRS notice, you can try calling 1-866-234-2942 and wait for a human being to help you. But I'd wait a few weeks to do so, as those lines are currently very busy.

--Tobie Stanger