Thursday's Internet Edition, December 04, 2008.
eligible for stimulus payments
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| MEMORIAL- On Feb. 15, the St. John Junior Youth Group sponsored a dance for all junior high students. All proceeds and donations from the dance were donated to the school for the purchase of science equipment, books and other materials as a memorial to Denette Gilmore. A total of $500 was donated to the school. Above, Principal Jennifer Zschiesche presents the check to Mrs. Russell Nebhut. |
According to an IRS released article, “Some low-income workers and recipients of Social Security, certain veterans’ benefits and certain Railroad Retirement benefits may qualify for economic stimulus payments this year from the federal government.
“In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and $600 to $1200 for joint filers. Taxpayers may receive $300 for each qualifying child.
The article further states, “Normally, certain Social Security, Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans’ payments are not subject to income tax. However, the economic stimulus law passed in February contains a special provision allowing Social Security recipients and recipients of certain veterans’ benefits and certain Railroad Retirement benefits to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement of $3,000 and thereby qualify for the stimulus payment.”
To receive the stimulus payment, individuals must file a 1040 or 1040A IRS form and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income. You can include the amount of your Social Security Assistance benefits to qualify for the stimulus payment.
Receiving the stimulus payment will not affect the amount of Social Security Assistance benefits you will receive.
Income Tax reports must be filed by April 15. The IRS will begin mailing Stimulus payments in early May.
In late March, the IRS will mail a packet of information to recipients of Social Security benefits who did not file a tax return last year. The packet will contain guidance to help you claim the stimulus payment.
According to the IRS, individuals who need to file a return this year to receive a stimulus payment may be able to take advantage of thousands of free tax preparation sites nationwide for low-income and elderly taxpayers.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program provides help to law and moderate income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate the nearest VITA site to you.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program provides free help to people age 60 and older. As parts of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. To find an AARP Tax Aide site call 1-888-227-7696 or visit the AARP web site.