With Wall Street woes weighing heavily on West Virginians, the economic stimulus package passed earlier this year provided a modest, but much-appreciated supplement to families’ annual income.  Yet an estimated 34,000 West Virginians, mostly seniors and veterans, have not filed for their economic stimulus check—and the October 15 deadline to file for and receive their stimulus check is rapidly approaching.

Passed by Congress and the President earlier this year as part of a larger economic stimulus package, this $300-$600 tax rebate was specifically designed to help American families during our current economic slowdown.  I strongly urge everyone—especially our seniors and veterans who have yet to do so—to file a 2007 income tax return and take advantage of their stimulus check.

The October 15 deadline applies to retirees and disabled veterans, who are eligible to receive an economic stimulus rebate, but who normally do not file a tax return.  Residents must file a tax return in order to receive a check, even if they are not normally required to file.  The $300-$600 tax rebate is non-taxable and will not affect 2007 or 2008 federal tax returns.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.   For more information and help with filing, Third District residents can contact or visit IRS offices located in Charleston, Huntington, and Sophia. These offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.