Tax Return Must Be Filed For Stimulus Package Refund

Dawn Macary, director of the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging wants senior citizens to know that in order to be eligible for President Bush’s Stimulus Package refund, they must file an income tax return this year. “While doing research on the stimulus package this week, our office realized that seniors who may not have filed a tax return in several years may need to know this,” said Ms Macary.

The stimulus package will give nontaxable refunds of up to $600 for single people and up to $1,200 for couples. People who have an income of more than $3,000 may want to file a tax return this year, even if they have not met the requirements to file one for several previous years.

According to Ms Macary, qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits, and earned income from wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment. The IRS emphasizes that a 2007 income tax return must be filed in order to receive the rebate payment.

The stimulus package rebate will not affect a person’s eligibility for any government entitlement programs such as ConnPACE, Medicare Savings Program, or Food Stamps.

For those who need assistance in preparing the 2007 income tax return, free tax assistance is available by calling the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, 800-906-9887, or AARP Tax Aide Program, 888-227-7669. Offices are located at several locations around the state.