Saratoga Springs – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand encouraged all New York households to check to see if they are owed a stimulus payment or a tax refund.  In New York, over 19,000 economic stimulus payments totaling $11 million and over 8,500 tax refunds totaling $9 million have been returned to the IRS due to mailing address errors.

“I hope that all Upstate New York residents will take a moment to look at my website at http://gillibrand.house.gov and see if the federal government owes them money. Upstate New York families pay too much money in taxes to Washington and Albany, and during these tough economic times, it is important that families receive the money they have earned.” Congresswoman Gillibrand added, “Tax cuts for middle class families will continue to be one of my highest priorities in Congress.”

The average unclaimed stimulus check is $579.  Households that are missing a stimulus check must update their address with the IRS by November 28, 2008.  The average unclaimed tax refund check is worth $1,061. These checks are resent as soon as taxpayers update their address.

Taxpayers can receive their money as soon as they update their address with the IRS.   Upstate New York taxpayers can see if they are owed money by:

·Visiting Congresswoman Gillibrand’s website at http://gillibrand.house.gov to see if A) their name is on the list of taxpayers owed money, and B) to find out how to claim there money.

·Visiting IRS.gov to access the “Where's My Stimulus Payment?” or “Where’s My Refund?” tools.  Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds and provide instructions on how to resolve delivery problems.

·Accessing the telephone version of “Where’s My Refund?” by calling 1-800-829-1954 or the “Where’s My Stimulus Payment?” at 1-866-234-2942.

Last February, Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which provided middle-income families, seniors and disabled veterans with a tax rebate of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child. 

In Congress, Congresswoman Gillibrand has been a strong advocate for cutting taxes for middle class families, seniors and small business owners.  She voted in favor of providing nearly every household in Upstate New York with a tax rebate of up to $1,200 per couple, plus $300 for every dependent.  In addition, she authored legislation that will double the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and legislation to allow middle class families to deduct up to $10,000 in college tuition and expenses.  Finally, she has lobbied New York State officials about the need to lower property taxes, and she helped pass a new $1,000 property tax deduction for all families.