News Release
Office of the Governor News Release, March 20, 2008:
Governor Urges Seniors, Veterans to Apply for Stimulus
Payments
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Governor Ted Strickland
today urged Ohioans to reach out to family and friends to
make sure they are filing federal income tax returns this
year so they can preserve their right to receive the economic
stimulus payments recently authorized by Congress.
Most taxpayers file a federal income tax return every year
and have no cause for concern. However, Social Security
recipients and veterans who receive disability payments from
the Veterans Administration – and who do not normally file a
federal return because their income isn’t taxable – are at
risk of missing out.
Taxpayers who don’t file a federal tax return this
year will not receive a stimulus payment, even if they are
otherwise eligible. Governor Strickland said today
it is important for all taxpayers who think they may be
eligible for a stimulus payment to file a federal return this
year.
“If you have a parent or a neighbor you think may be
receiving Social Security or VA benefits, take the time to
explain why it is important to file a federal return this
year,” Strickland said. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on
an opportunity to receive this stimulus payment. This is real
money that could make a real difference in the lives of
hardworking Ohioans and help our economy.”
The Ohio Department of Taxation estimates that stimulus
payments will add up to about $3.9 billion for Ohio taxpayers
who normally file a federal return. Senior citizens who don’t
normally file could be eligible for as much as another $200
million.
At stake are federal economic stimulus payments that will
range from $300 to $600 for individuals and from $600 to
$1,200 for married couples filing jointly.
To qualify for a stimulus payment, taxpayers must file a
federal tax return that shows at least $3,000 in qualifying
income from 2007.
Certain kinds of income that are not taxable, such as Social
Security retirement, may be used to meet the $3,000
threshold. Other forms of nontaxable income that can be used
toward the $3,000 threshold include Social Security
disability benefits; tier 1 railroad retirement benefits; VA
disability compensation, pension or survivor’s benefits; and
earned income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not
qualify.
The stimulus payment will not reduce the amount of other
benefit payments. It is also not considered taxable income
for either federal or state purposes.
To receive the stimulus payments, taxpayers who normally do
not file a return should file IRS form 1040 or 1040A. The
words “Stimulus Payment” should be written across the top of
the form.
The Internal Revenue Service has devoted a section of its Web
site, www.irs.gov, to
questions and answers about the stimulus payments. Taxpayers
also began receiving letters from the IRS last week alerting
them about eligibility for the payments. A special IRS
mailing later this month is targeted at senior citizens and
veterans who don’t normally file a return, reminding them
that they must file this year to receive the payments.
Senior citizens and low-income Ohioans looking for free help
with completing returns may contact the Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) program; call (800) 906-9887 for the
closest walk-in site. The AARP also operates a network of
free walk-in tax assistance sites through the Tax Counseling
for the Elderly (TCE) program; call (888) 337-7669 for the
nearest location.
For online information concerning all aspects of the 2008
economic stimulus payments, please visit the IRS stimulus
information center at:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html
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