Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

State Fair

Come visit me each year at my State Fair Office!

  • Stop by my booth at the state fair at the corner of Judson Ave. and Underwood St. and directly across the street from Empire Commons. Check out the photo gallery to see me with the many Minnesotans who stopped by during past fairs!
  • Click here to see a map of how to get there.

On the opening day of the state fair, Amy greeted the first fairgoers of 2009 early in the morning at the main gate. She also met with constituents in the afternoon at her booth.

Amy was at the fair on Sunday and Tuesday and on Thursday, Amy will be at the fair during the 11 o'clock hour.

Please check back as more appearances are scheduled.

10 FINANCIAL TIPS THAT COULD BENEFIT YOUR FAMILY

The U.S. government offers tax breaks to provide financial relief to middle-class and lower-income families. This year, Congress expanded many of these tax breaks. Ten federal tax breaks that could benefit your family are highlighted below.

Making Work Pay Tax Credit

This credit cuts federal income taxes for more than 95 percent of working families. For 2009 and 2010, a refundable tax credit of up to $400 for eligible working individuals and up to $800 for eligible working families is available. Taxpayers can receive this benefit through a reduction in the amount of income tax that is withheld from their paychecks or through claiming the credit on their tax returns. This tax credit will phase out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $75,000 or in excess of $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 increased the first-time homebuyer tax credit to $8,000 for purchases made in 2009 before December 1. The credit may not be claimed before the closing date. The credit is limited and begins to phase out if your modified adjusted gross income is above a certain amount, depending on your filing status: Married Filing Jointly ($150,000) and all others ($75,000).

Home Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

Generally, home mortgage interest is any interest you pay on a loan secured by your home and may be deducted from federal income taxes owed under certain conditions.

American Opportunity Tax Credit

For 2009 and 2010, a new American Opportunity education tax credit of up to $2,500 of the cost of tuition and related expenses may be available for working families. Taxpayers who qualify can receive a tax credit based on 100 percent of the first $2,000 of tuition and related expenses (including books) and 25 percent of the next $2,000 of tuition and related expenses paid during the tax year.

Child Tax Credit

You may be able to reduce the federal income tax you owe by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child under the age of 17. The credit is limited and begins to phase out if your modified adjusted gross income is above a certain amount, depending on your filing status: Married Filing Jointly ($110,000); Married Filing Separately ($55,000); All others ($75,000). If the amount of your Child Tax Credit is greater than the amount of income tax you owe, you may be able to claim some or all of the difference as an "Additional" Child Tax Credit. The Additional Child Tax Credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

If you paid someone to care for a child or a dependent so you could work, you may be able to reduce your federal income tax by claiming the Credit for Child and Dependent Care expenses on your tax return.

Help for Social Security Recipients, Veterans and Railroad Retirees

A one-time payment of $250 has been made in 2009 to retirees, disabled individuals, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, disabled veterans receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and railroad retirement beneficiaries. Individuals who may qualify for this year's economic recovery payment and have not received this payment should contact their respective agency for more information.

Energy Efficiency Incentives

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act increases the energy tax credit for homeowners, who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes, to 30 percent of the cost of all qualifying improvements and raises the maximum credit limit to a combined total of $1,500 for improvements made in 2009 and 2010. For instance, consumers may claim the credit for installation of products like energy-efficient doors, windows, and heating and air conditioning systems.

Tax-Free Unemployment Benefits

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits an individual receives in 2009 are tax free. This provision applies only to benefits received in 2009. Individuals who receive unemployment benefits this year should check to ensure they are not having unnecessary tax withheld.

Earned Income Tax Credit

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides a temporary increase in the earned income tax credit (EITC) for eligible taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. The maximum EITC for this new category is $5,657. The earned income tax credit is a refundable credit intended to help people who work but earn modest incomes.

For more details and eligibility requirements, please visit Senator Klobuchar's web site here or the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) web site here. You may also obtain live telephone assistance from an IRS representative by calling 1-800-829-1040.

State Fair Featured Initiatives Archive

2009

2008

2007

State Fair Photo Archive

2008

2007

Senator Klobuchar’s Offices

302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Main Line: 612-727-5220
Main Fax: 612-727-5223
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1134 7th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Main Line: 507-288-5321
Fax: 507-288-2922

121 4th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Main Line: 218-287-2219
Fax: 218-287-2930

Olcott Plaza, Suite 105
820 9th Street North
Virginia, MN 55792
Main Line: 218-741-9690
Fax: 218-741-3692