FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Social Security recipients, others may need to file for Stimulus Payment

Coalition offers assistance with simple tax forms

Chillicothe, OH (March 20, 2008) Local information and free assistance will be available to help those who must file a 1040A tax return to receive their economic stimulus payment. Under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, people may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) even if they do not normally file a tax return. However, they must file an income tax return for 2007 in order to receive the payment.

Recipients of Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits should expect to receive from the Internal Revenue Service a 10-page tax package containing everything they need to file immediately, including both a sample and an actual Form 1040A.

The Ross County EITC Coalition is providing free assistance to help local residents determine their eligibility for the stimulus payment and, if needed, to file simple returns. “We are especially concerned about seniors and others who either don’t know they are eligible for the stimulus payment or don’t know that they must file a 2007 tax return to receive the payment,” says Luke Feeney, a member of the Ross County EITC Coalition.

Through its partner agencies, the Coalition is offering information, screening, and assistance in filing the Form 1040A. For those who qualify, appointments will be scheduled for a free tax assistance clinic on Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Jobs One-Stop Office, 150 East Second Street. If needed, transportation may be available. For information or appointment, call 779-2798.

Basic eligibility requirements, according to the IRS guidelines:

• At least $3,000 in qualifying income from, or in combination with, Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, non-taxable combat pay, and earned income; SSI income does not qualify.
• Valid Social Security Numbers
• Cannot be claimed as dependent or eligible to be claimed as dependent on another’s tax return.

The stimulus payment does not affect eligibility for federal benefits, and it will not be taxable on the 2008 federal income tax return. The IRS also wants taxpayers to know that it does not gather information for stimulus payments over the telephone, and it does not send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers about tax account matters.

The Ross County EITC Coalition was organized late last year to help working individuals and families achieve financial stability and increase asset-building opportunities. Coalition partners are Ross County Community Action, Ross County Job & Family Services, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, United Way of Ross County, RossGO, Ohio University-Chillicothe, Ohio Benefit Bank, and the Ohio Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition.