Your Clients Who Are Low-Income Social Security Recipients Must File 2007 Tax Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Check

• What is the stimulus package?
  To help spur a slowing economy, the IRS will send tax rebate checks to over 130 million households beginning in May 2008 and continuing through the summer. Up to 20 million Americans who rely primarily on Social Security income qualify for a rebate check.
  
• How do people qualify for a stimulus tax rebate check?
  Generally a person has to have more than $3,000 in income. Even if a person does not have any earned income they can still qualify for a stimulus tax rebate check if their Social Security benefits, Veteran's Affairs (VA) benefits, and/or railroad retirement benefits equal at least $3,000 annually.

To qualify, they must file a 2007 tax return on IRS Forms 1040 or 1040A with the IRS (even if their income is normally low enough that they are not required to file).

• If they file a tax return, how much are they eligible for?
  In most cases, they will get payments ranging from $300 to $600. Payments increase by $300 for families with dependent children under the age of 17.
  
• By what date does the 2007 tax return have to be filed and when will the checks be received?
  The IRS encourages filing a return if possible, by the regular April 15 deadline to get the rebate check in May 2008. Those filing later than April 15, with or without a tax-filing extension, may delay receipt of the rebate check, however, those who qualify for a stimulus check will receive one by the end of 2008 if they file by October 15, 2008. No rebate checks will be issued after 2008 ends.
  
• Will the stimulus payment affect eligibility for needs-based benefits programs?
  No. Receiving a payment under the stimulus package does not have any effect on eligibility for or amount of needs-based benefits programs (i.e. Food Stamps).
  
• Do you have questions about the stimulus package?
  Contact Hilary Sohmer Dalin at the National Council on Aging at (202) 479- 6626.

Do you know a low-to-moderate income senior who needs help filing a tax return?

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. To find an AARP Tax Aide site call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Web site.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 for assistance.

Free Income Tax Assistance for Seniors Available

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will offer free income tax assistance for senior citizens with low and middle incomes.

 Tax payers wishing to use this service should bring copies of their 2006 federal and state tax returns; preaddressed tax return forms for 2007; forms SSA-1099, showing Social Security benefits received in 2007; copy of real estate tax bills paid in 2007; and any W-2 or 1099 forms that report 2007 income.

Volunteer counselors will be available at these locations in Henry and Rock Island Counties:

Geneseo: 

Geneseo Library, 
1-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday

Moline: 

Moline Public Library, 
1-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday

Rock Island: 

Rock Island Township Hall, 
2827 7^th Avenue, 
1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday

Rock Island: 

Rock Island County Senior Center/Project Now, 
2221 11^th Street, 
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday by appointment; call (309) 788-6335

East Moline: 
South Moline Township Senior Center, 
1637 17^th Avenue, 
1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday

For more information on the program, call (309) 755-9693.

Additional assistance:
Bureau County

Bureau County Senior Citizens Associates Senior Services
16. W. Marion St., Princeton               815-872-6181
Tuesday and Friday 9 – 4 (appointment only)

LaSalle County

LaSalle Library
305 Marquette St., LaSalle                  815-223-2341
Monday and Tuesday 9 – 1 (appointment only)

Mendota Area Senior Services
1901 Tom Merwin Dr., Mendota        815-539-9673
Monday and Wednesday 9 – 12 (appointment only)

Peru Public Library
1409 11^th St., Peru                              815-223-0229
Monday – Thursday 9 – 1 (appointment only)

Reddick Library Annex
1010 Canal St., Ottawa                       815-434-5396
Thursday 1 – 5 (appointment only)

McDonough County

YMCA Senior Center
400 E. Calhoun St., Macomb               309-837-5733
Tuesday 10 – 3 and Friday 1 – 4 (both by appointment only)

Warren County:

Strom Center
211 – South A. St., Monmouth                        309-734-4560
Appointment only

The centers listed above are the ones WIAAA is aware of. Please contact Sonya at sweber@wiaaa.org to list additional free tax service in your area.

View Pdf Version of Economic Stimulus Payment Fact Sheet