What Harry says: The only thing you must do in order to get the rebate is to file a tax return for 2007. Do this even if you would not otherwise have to file because of low income. IRS will not call or write to you concerning the rebates. There are "deals" around now for getting your rebates in "advance." I saw one that offered a taxpayer money immediately in exchange for the transfer of the rebate check expected in May or June. The kicker is that the offer is for 90 percent of the anticipated amount. That's a charge of 10 percent for a period of two months at the maximum. That amounts to a minimum annual rate of 60 percent! Do not take any deal for an advance payment on your rebate without first multiplying the discount by 6 in order to get the actual minimum annual rate! And the best thing to do with your rebate is to reduce any high-interest debt that you may have.

Dear Harry: I live in a condo in Atlantic City. About two years ago, a pipe burst in the wall of the apartment above us, and we had a tremendous amount of damage. For reasons that I still don't understand, the condo insisted that our insurance company, not the condo association's, was responsible. The repairs were completed last summer, and we were very happy with the result after a lot of aggravation. We almost immediately had another flood from the bursting of the same pipe at a different place. There was a lot less damage, but after the contractors were done, our insurance policy was canceled. We protested with our broker and the company, but we got nowhere. Our broker tried very hard to get the policy replaced and was finally able to do so. However, the premium increased by 40 percent! Two questions: Can the original company do this? Why isn't the condo responsible for something not even in the walls adjacent to our apartment?

What Harry says: Your policy can be canceled by the company with appropriate notice. They apparently think that your risk of further damage and claims is too high for them to want to continue coverage. This can also happen with your automobile and liability coverage. Life insurance cannot be canceled at the company's whim, nor can certain noncancelable disability and medical policies. Ordinarily, the association's insurance covers damages from causes not inside the walls of your apartment. Look at the by-laws of your condo and you'll probably see a specification regarding who is responsible for damages of the kind you had. My guess is that you were responsible, or your company would not have paid for your damages. Your new insurer is charging a stiff premium because it recognizes that it has higher than the normal risk of further damages.

Dear Harry: I am incarcerated, but I'm an aspiring entrepreneur. I have spent many hours in our library doing research on how to get started in a business, but I want to make sure all the bases are covered and I'm set to go when I get out in late spring. I have a great many ideas of what I want to do. A friend has told me that the best source of information on financial matters is your column in the Daily News. I have been reading your columns, but have never seen any information on small businesses. Am I in the right place?

What Harry says: You are. This column tries to answer all the financial questions posed by our readers, or refer readers to reliable sources. Let me refer you to the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce's nifty little booklet entitled "Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania." It deals with a multitude of issues such as registration, federal and state taxes, labor laws and types of entities. It also has references to Small Business Development Centers at various universities and business colleges where expert help is available in almost all areas relating to business activities. Good luck!

Dear Harry: I lost my job in 2004, and was out of work for almost seven months. That period set me back financially and almost knocked me out because I had debt while I was working. When I finally got back to work, I was in hock on credit cards to the tune of more than $30,000 on three cards. I now earn in the mid-50s, and I'd like to get out of debt as rapidly as possible. I think bankruptcy is out of the question because of my income and my age (26). I have heard many horror stories about "debt-management" companies, so I'm hesitant about trying that route. I'd also like to be in shape to buy a home in the next couple of years. Any ideas?

What Harry says: Step 1 is to try to work out a payment schedule directly with your present creditors. In your negotiations, it is almost always best to put most of your available cash against the account with the highest interest rate. If you can't get the arrangement you feel is best, contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Agency of the Delaware Valley, at 800-989-2227. Over the years, I have found them to be quite reliable. They are also nonprofit. But don't be deceived by the term "nonprofit." It does not always mean that the organization has consumer interests as a priority. Remember, many heavy expenses in some nonprofits consume the bottom line, and included in those expenses are some hefty salaries for the principals.

Dear Harry: I have just turned 80, and I'm starting to get concerned about how my family will be able to get access to my money if I become disabled or just unable to take care of my bills. I have a daughter who lives nearby, and she suggested that I make her co-owner of at least my major bank account. I think I remember your saying that it was not a good idea to have a co-owner , but I can't remember why or what you proposed as an alternative. This situation is causing me sleepless nights. My other children do not seem happy with such an arrangement, either. Could you please point me in the right direction?

What Harry says: This is a common concern among older Americans. Let me tell you why I don't like co-ownership, except for married couples and business partnerships: Your daughter may be well-intentioned and still get into financial problems of her own that may jeopardize the account. I know that you trust your daughter, but the temptation is there, and it can manifest itself even after you're gone. You may intend that all your assets be split evenly among your children, but that co-ownership could lead her to claim the entire account. I've seen it happen even in large estates. The answer for you is a durable power of attorney. It will give her the necessary authority even if you are totally disabled. However, she will have to account for any expenditures if called upon, and the power ends with your death. You can get an adequate form for this on the Internet or in any number of do-it-yourself books. You also can have a lawyer do it for a small fee.

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, Box 7788, Philadelphia, PA 19101. Harry urges all his readers to give blood: Contact the American Red Cross at 800-GIVE LIFE.