Below I have provided critical information I received from my Council On Aging/Passport Social Worker. Hopefully, both caregivers and senior adults will find this information useful. Within the memorandum there are web links to resources for additional information.
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Memorandum
To: LTC, COALA and CRI Staff
Cc: Ken Wilson, Pam Berry, Richard Kidd, Arlene deSilva
From: Community Resources and Information (Chris Brand)
Date: February 20, 2008
Re: Stimulus Payment for seniors
Several of you have asked us what your clients need to do in order to receive the payment from the federal government on the Stimulus Package. The ONLY way to get a check this year is by filing a federal tax return for 2007. Even though many of our clients may no longer routinely file income tax returns they will need to do so if they want to receive the stimulus payment. Below are some questions and answers that may help you when discussing this with your clients:
What do I need to do to get the stimulus payment?
- You need to file a federal income tax return for 2007 even if you routinely have not done this.
- You will need to report all your income, deductions and credits
- You do not need to calculate the amount of the stimulus package
How do I find out if I am eligible?
Most people with a net 2007 income will quality. Some people with no tax liability will also qualify including social security and railroad retirement beneficiaries, recipients of certain veterans’ payments, low income workers with earned income of at least $3,000 and individuals who have a combined income of at least $3,000 from any combination of these sources.
Will receiving an economic stimulus payment affect my eligibility for other programs such as food stamps, social security, etc.?
No.
How do I know if I am one of the individuals that will not get a stimulus payment
- If you don’t file a 2007 tax return
- If your net income tax liability is zero and your qualifying income is less than $3,000
- If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
- If you do not have a valid Social Security number
- If you file Form 1040NR; form 1040NR-EZ or form 1040SS for 2007
Where do I get help to complete my tax forms? (* see resources below)
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) will help folks with low to moderate income (generally, $40,000 and below). Call 1-800-829-1040 for a site near you.
- AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program has trained volunteers to help those 60 and older with tax filing.
What information do I need to have my taxes prepared?
- Proof of identification
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
- Current year’s tax package if you received one
- Wage and earnings statement(s); W-2, W-2G, 1099 – R
- Interest and dividend statements from banks
- A copy of last year’s returns, if available
- Bank routing numbers and Account numbers for direct deposit
* IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers:
- 550 Main Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202: 513-263-3333
- 9075 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069: 513-263-3333
* AARP Tax Assistance: Just enter your client’s zip code and it will list locations where tax help is available.
More information on the stimulus package is available at the IRS web site:
You Must File a 2007 Federal Income Tax Return to get your Stimulus Payment
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