Washington, DC – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand is encouraging senior and veteran families to file the necessary paperwork in order to receive their economic stimulus payment.  Households have until October 15th to fill out a tax return; over 5.2 million households, including 439,000 New York households, have not claimed their rebate check.

“I want to make sure that everyone who is eligible for a rebate check receives one, and too many seniors and veterans are missing out on hundreds of dollars.  This extra money is even more important now with the high costs of gas, health care and groceries, and it will help more families make ends meet during these tough economic times,” Congresswoman Gillibrand said.  “I encourage anyone who needs assistance acquiring the necessary paperwork to contact one of my local offices.  We are here to help you.”

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.  However, in order to receive a tax rebate, an individual must file a 2007 tax return.  Seniors and veterans who do not normally file a tax return only have to file a simplified tax return by October 15th (a sample form can be found here http://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/1040a.pdf)

Recent data by the IRS indicate that 439,000 New York households are still eligible for a stimulus check, including:

·         1,479 in Columbia County

·         1,205 in Delaware County

·         6,634 in Dutchess County

·         908 in Essex County

·         1,332 in Greene County

·         1,446 in Otsego County

·         3,037 in Rensselaer County

·         2,841 in Saratoga County

·         1,464 in Warren County

·         1,239 in Washington County

Over the next three weeks, the IRS is sending information packets to the 5.2 million Americans who are eligible for a stimulus payment, but have not filed their tax return.  The package will include instructions, an example Form 1040A return showing the few lines that need to be completed, and a blank Form 1040A.

If constituents need help obtaining the correct IRS form or have additional questions, Representative Gillibrand encourages seniors and veterans to contact her office at 518-581-8247, or visit her website at www.gillibrand.house.gov.