Washington, Jun 25 -

Congressman Patrick McHenry announced today that, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an estimated 24% of Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) beneficiaries in North Carolina who are eligible for economic stimulus payments have not received their checks because they have not filed a 2007 Federal income tax return. Taxpayers with an annual household income of at least $3,000 may be eligible for a tax rebate.  People who do not typically file tax returns because of limited income still need to file a 2007 return on form 1040-A to receive the rebate.  The deadline to file for the rebate is October 15, 2008.

The IRS believes there approximately 21,089 eligible residents of 10th District of North Carolina who have not yet filed.  The per county estimates are:

            Avery County  392
            Burke County  2,076
            Caldwell County 1,764
            Catawba County 3,036
            Cleveland County 2,631
            Gaston County 4,697
            Iredell County  2,911
            Lincoln County 1,379
            Mitchell County 449
            Rutherford County 1,754

Congressman McHenry encourages constituents who have not filed a 2007 federal income tax return and think they may eligible for a rebate to contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.  The number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-829-4059 (TDD).  Detailed information and the forms and instructions needed to apply for an economic stimulus rebate are also available online at www.irs.gov .

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