3.18.2008
Untitled Document
Helpful Tips to Claim Your Rebate Check
Starting this May the Treasury will begin sending out Economic Stimulus rebate checks. The Economic Stimulus package will allow more than 130 million Americans to receive a tax rebate this spring. This package will allow an individual or family with at least $3,000 in income, including Social Security and veteran disability benefits, or that pays at least $1 in income tax, a rebate check of at least $300.
While many Missourians are busy filing their taxes this spring season, local seniors and veterans who are on a fixed income may miss out on their opportunity to claim their check, simply because they are not required to file tax returns.
There are some special circumstances for recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Certain Veterans Benefits. It’s important to me that every hard working Missourian receive their check, so here are a few pointers to ensure just that:
- If you filed a 2007 return showing less than $3,000 of income and did not list their Social Security, Railroad Retirement or certain veterans benefits please file a Form 1040X to list those non-taxable benefits and qualify for a payment.
- If you are not required to file a 2007 return but have an income reaching $3,000 or more based on Social security, Railroad retirement and or Veterans benefits you must file a return these benefits. Please look to 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040 for completion. Although these lines just mention Social Security, please use these lines even if your only benefits were Railroad Retirement or veterans’ benefits.
Please Note: If you have already filed a 2007 return with a qualifying income of $3,000 or more, you do not have any additional filing requirements.
If you have further questions, please click here to access a portion of the Internal Revenue Service’s website that includes many invaluable answers that should help you.
Additional Assistance:
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate the nearest VITA site.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. To find an AARP Tax Aide site call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Web site.