Stimulus Rebate Requirements

President Bush’s economic stimulus package offering rebate payments to citizens this May requires that eligible recipients must first file their taxes for 2007.

Typically low income workers and individuals receiving Social Security benefits or Veteran’s Affairs benefits do not worry about an April 15th deadline to file their taxes. However, to get the upcoming stimulus payment, individuals must file a simple 2007 federal income tax return showing at least $3,000 from a combination of certain Social Security benefits, Veterans benefits, and earned income. If the IRS does not receive this tax return, no economic stimulus payment can be made.

View the official IRS eligibility requirements here.

“We are concerned that many senior citizens, low income families, and even students, will not get the stimulus payment because they generally aren’t required to file taxes,” said Joshua Pedersen, Vice President of United Way of Northern Utah. Seniors living on a fixed income and low-income families, including students, with very little earned income are most vulnerable for missing out on the payment. “The stimulus is designed to help our entire economy, but for some individuals it will mean they can buy food for their families or pay off debt,” adds Pedersen.

United Way of Northern Utah, in partnership with Ogden Community Action Program, is offering free tax filing assistance to help these individuals complete their taxes. “IRS certified volunteers are available to help individuals file their taxes for free,” said Pedersen.   To set up an appointment dial 2-1-1 or visit www.utahtaxhelp.org for more information.

Employers are encouraged to let their temporary employees and part time employees know about the free tax filing assistance. Free tax filing assistance appointments and locations are widely available in Weber, Box Elder, Davis, and Morgan counties. In addition, mobile sites are available to visit a workplace in each county.  Contact Josh at 801.399.5584 x 109 to schedule a mobile free tax help site for your workplace.

United Way of Northern Utah is also partnering with USU Extension Services to encourage families to save money and pay off debt through a series of free financial education workshops.   Savings strategies and workshop information can be found online here or dial 2-1-1 for information on the next class.

Additional details on the stimulus eligibility can be found online at www.irs.gov.