Archive: News

U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) visited the North Utica Senior Center today to urge seniors and veterans to file 2007 income tax returns in order to be eligible for tax rebates included in an economic stimulus package approved by Congress earlier this year.

“I want to make sure everyone who is eligible to receive a tax rebate gets one,” Arcuri said. “This year, Democrats and Republicans came to together to pass an economic stimulus package that will put much-needed money in the hands of local families and especially help area seniors and veterans. By making sure everyone has the correct information and valuable help from local IRS offices, we can get economic relief as quickly as possible to those who need it most.”

Arcuri was accompanied by representatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the AARP to answer questions from gathered seniors.

Internal Revenue Service Albany Territory Manager Dietra Grant stated that individuals must file a 2007 tax return, even if not required, in order to receive the stimulus payment.

“Individuals who receive $3,000 or more of Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, and certain Veteran’s benefits must file a Form 1040A to report their qualifying income.  In order to receive your 2008 stimulus payment by December 31, 2008, I encourage everyone to file no later than October 15,” Grant said.

In February, President Bush signed the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act into law, providing 8.3 million New York families with tax rebates of up to $1,200 per couple, plus $300 per child as early as mid-May.

More than 130 million American families will receive a tax rebate. The plan will also provide recovery rebate checks to 28 million households of senior citizens and disabled veterans nationwide.

For individuals who paid federal income taxes in 2007, this plan will provide tax rebates of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple. Each rebate would be increased by $300 for every child under the age of 17. Seniors and veterans with qualified income of least $3,000 in 2007 will get at least $300 per individual and $600 per couple, plus the same child tax credit of $300.

The IRS has created a sample Form 1040A to help seniors and veterans that can be found at http://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/1040a.pdf . The blank form can be found at http://www.irs/pub/irs-pdf/f1040a.pdf .


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