Crowley, Serrano, and IRS Help New York Residents Get Their Federal Rebate Check 7/20/2008 Contact: (202) 225-3965 Miscellaneous press release 200,000 NYC Seniors and Vets Owed Up to $600 Tax-Free (New York, N.Y.) – Congressmen Joseph Crowley (D-Queens,Bronx) and José Serrano (D-Bronx) joined with Richard Byrd, Commissioner of the Wage and Investment Division at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to unveil a new national outreach effort to notify every eligible veteran and senior citizen in the U.S. that they need to file with the IRS to receive their Federal stimulus rebate check. More than 439,000 New York State residents, including 204,000 individuals in New York City, still have not claimed their checks, which are worth up to $300 per individual, $600 per married couple, and an additional $300 for each child. Individuals only have until October 15, 2008 to file for their rebate check. The IRS outreach effort will begin on Monday, July 21st. “Times are tough right now. That is why Congress enacted an economic stimulus package to provide hard-working Americans with much-needed financial relief,” said Congressman Joe Crowley. “Millions of Americans have received their Federal rebate check, but more than 400,000 New Yorkers have not. We want to make sure everyone gets their money. I hope others will join me, Congressman Serrano, and Commissioner Byrd in getting the word out to all New Yorkers that they only have 87 days left to file with the IRS for their tax-free, free money.” “Everyone who qualifies should get their economic stimulus check – it’s not too late. We passed the legislation to provide this tax rebate with the intention that people would get and spend it. We wanted to provide a helping hand to families and individuals, as well as stimulate the American economy,” Congressman José E. Serrano said. “If you’re having trouble figuring out how to get your check, people at the IRS can help. Don’t delay in getting what is rightfully yours.” Congress enacted the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (H.R. 5140) in February. The package included $100 billion in direct financial relief for millions of Americans, including seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals. While most Americans automatically received their rebate check as a result of having filed a 2007 Federal tax return, for the millions of low-income workers, Social Security beneficiaries, and disabled veterans and their widows who normally do not file a Federal return, a Special Form 1040A must be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In New York City, 204,000 families have yet to submit the Special Form 1040A to receive their check, including: - 39,402 in the Bronx – where the median Federal benefit received by seniors and veterans is $9,222. - 62,045 in Brooklyn – where the median Federal benefit received by seniors and veterans is $9,376. - 44,941 in Manhattan – where the median Federal benefit received by seniors and veterans is $9,538. - 47,067 in Queens – where the median Federal benefit received by seniors and veterans is $9,960. - 11,111 on Staten Island – where the median Federal benefit received by seniors and veterans is $10,944. "It's not too late. We want every taxpayer and retiree eligible to receive the economic stimulus payment to get it. Just complete and mail Form 1040A by October 15, 2008. You can find additional information on our web site, IRS.gov, or come see us at the closest Taxpayer Assistance Center if you need help with the form. I want to thank Congressmen Crowley and Serrano for helping us get the word out on these payments," said Commissioner Richard Byrd. A list of Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available at http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html. Congressman Crowley, from his seat on the Ways and Means Committee, played a significant role in crafting the economic stimulus legislation; Congressman José Serrano is the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services, which has jurisdiction over the Internal Revenue Service’s annual budget. # # #   Washington 2404 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202)225-3965 Queens 74-09 37th Ave Suite 306-B Jackson Heights, NY 11372 (718)779-1400 Co-op City 177 Dreiser Loop Bronx, NY 10475 (718)320-2314 Bronx 2800 Bruckner Blvd Bronx, NY 10465 (718)931-1400