Jehlen: Seniors Should File Federal Tax Return

Some Seniors Might Qualify for Stimulus Check

– State Senator Pat Jehlen

Tax filing season is upon us and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage seniors in Medford to file federal tax returns in order to receive stimulus checks. Many seniors who are not normally required to file federal tax returns are not aware that they may still qualify for federal stimulus checks. I would also like to thank the Massachusetts Senior Action Council for their work bringing this to the attention of seniors state wide.

In 2008 up to 20 million Americans who rely primarily on Social Security income qualify for an economic stimulus rebate check from the federal government. In order to receive the rebate individuals need to have earned more than $3,000 in 2007. However, even seniors who do not earn income through current employment can qualify for a stimulus check if their Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and railroad retirement benefits equal at least $3,000 annually. In most cases, seniors will receive an economic stimulus check of $300 to $600.

In order to receive these stimulus checks seniors need to file a 2007 federal tax return on IRS form 1040 or 1040A (short form.) They should file their return even if their income is normally low enough that they were not required to file in previous years. In order to receive a rebate check in May 2008 the IRS encourages filing a return by the April 15 deadline. Those filing later than April 15 with or without a tax filing extension will receive a check by the end of the year if they file by October 15, 2008. No checks will be issued after 2008.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides help to low and moderate income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 for assistance. The nearest free tax preparation locations are available by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.