In February, the Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, a bill that was designed to jumpstart our economy and provide more than 130 million Americans with a one-time tax credit.  However, the stimulus payment can only be sent to those who file a 2007 Federal income tax return, and as of today, more than 100,000 Missourians who are eligible for this payment have not yet done so.

Under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, households that have earned at least $3,000 in qualifying income in 2007 may be eligible for the minimum economic stimulus payment -- a $300 payment for individuals, $600 for couples who file jointly.  Qualifying income includes earned income (wages, tips, salary); disability or survivor's benefits from the Social Security Administration; disability compensation, disability pension or survivors' benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Tier 1 benefits from Railroad Retirement.  However, Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

To check your eligibility:

          Veterans are encouraged to visit the Veterans' Information Center at the irs.gov web site;

          Seniors are encouraged to visit the Seniors' Information Center at the irs.gov web site.

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