Economic Stimulus Payments:
File by October 15, 2008

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NOTICE: Did you miss the October 15, 2008 filing date? You can still claim your one-time stimulus payment by filing a 2008 tax return in early 2009. If you try to file this year, after October 15, the IRS is not assuring payment. All IRS payouts this year must be completed by Dec. 31. So the later you file, the higher the chance that you will not get your rebate this year and will have to try again next year.

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IMPORTANT: Say "No" to scammers! Wherever money flows, scammers will be there. Do not respond to phone calls, e-mails, or internet offers asking you for personal information or promising to help you get your rebate check. Get more details from IRS scam alert: Scammers Use e-Mail, Fax to Pose as IRS.

BACKGROUND

As most people are aware by now, the IRS began sending out one-time "economic stimulus payments" (often referred to as "rebates") to taxpayers in May 2008.

How do I apply for the "stimulus" payment?

If you have already filed a tax return, you don't need to do anything more to get your "stimulus" payment from the IRS. You will get your usual refund (including your EIC, if you qualify) soon after you file. Then you'll get your extra "stimulus" payment in May, or later.

But what if I don't usually file a tax return?

Many people with very low incomes are not required to file a tax return. However, you may want to file this year, in order to get the "stimulus" payment.

As of mid-June the IRS estimated that 30,819 Social Security and VA recipeints in Maine (or 23% of those eligible) had not yet filed for a stimulus payment. Are you being left out? File today! More details

Here are two large categories of people who should consider filing this year:

• You got Social Security benefits in 2007, or
• You got VA benefits (disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits) in 2007

If you get either of these benefits, and your total filing-unit income for 2007 was $3,000 or higher, you can probably get the "stimulus" payment from the IRS. But you must file a tax return to be eligible. This also applies to anyone else who can meet the $3,000 minimum income test. NOTE: SSI does not count as income. So, if your tax filing unit's only income is SSI, you do not qualify.

When do I file?

If you do not owe taxes and are not required to file a regular tax return, you can file for the stimulus payment at any time before October 15, 2008. (All other taxpayers must meet the usual April 15 deadline.)

How much can I get?

Your "stimulus" payment is $300 ($600 if married and filing jointly), plus $300 for each qualifying child. Other taxpayers can get up to $600 ($1200 filing jointly), plus rebates for children. Again, these payments will not arrive until May, or later.

Will I lose other benefits if I get a "stimulus" payment?

By federal law, the "stimulus" payment will not count as income in figuring your eligibility for any federally funded needs-based programs (such as food stamps and Section 8 housing). According to the Maine DHHS, it will not count against you in any of their Maine-funded needs-based programs, either. (Despite this, some towns may be counting this as an available asset for General Assistance. Contact 1-800-442-6003 to see if DHHS will advise your town not to count it. Let us know if you have more questions about this issue.)

What if I owe back taxes, child support, federal student loans, or other money to the government?

Most likely, you will get a notice saying that your payment has been withheld, as an offset against your debt. You can appeal this decision, if you believe that you did not owe the money that the IRS says you owed.

Won't it cost me money to file a tax return?

IMPORTANT: Say "No" to scammers! Do not respond to phone calls, e-mails, or internet offers asking you for personal information or promising to help you get your rebate check. Get more details from IRS scam alert: Scammers Use e-Mail, Fax to Pose as IRS.

It doesn't have to cost you anything. It is simple to file for the rebate.

If you need help, try one of these free help sites:

• Go to AARP's Q-and-A About Economic Stimulus Payments. The answer to Question 3: What if I don't normally file a tax return? includes simple step-by-step instructions for how to file for stimulus rebate only. Or try the AARP's online Stimulus Payment Tool.
• Contact one of the IRS's 5 Maine Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
• Use free online software from PTLA's tax partner I-CAN or one of the free online services offered through the IRS.
• Call 211 and ask for a free help site in your area. Penquis, Penobscot Federal Credit Union, the York County CA$H Campaign, and some other free tax sites will be staying open until Oct. 15th this year to provide free help to "stimulus payment only" filers.
• Attention: Southern Mainers! The Greater Portland CA$H Coalition will be holding a free "rebate" clinic on Tuesday, July 22 Get more information here

More information from the IRS:

• Economic Stimulus Information Center general information
• Self-help videos
• Flyer for Social Security Recipients (.pdf file)
• Flyer for VA Benefit Recipients (.pdf file)
• Pagos de Estímulo Económico (español)
• Payment Schedule for Early (pre-April 15) Filers

Want to help others get their stimulus payments?

Visit the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities ESP Outreach site. Includes fliers, posters, Q and A's and other helpful tools, to help spread the word about the Stimulus Rebate.

Notice © Pine Tree Legal  Assistance Updated Octoeber 2008 Sometimes the laws change. We cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and correct.  If the date above is not this year, call us to see if there is an update. We provide this information as a public service.  It is not legal advice.  By sending you this information, we are not acting as your lawyer.  Always consult a lawyer, if you can, before taking legal action. Please review our full terms-of-use agreement

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