Seniors, Disabled Vets Urged to File for Stimulus Payment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) reminds South Jersey’s eligible seniors and disabled veterans, who have received more than $3,000 in qualifying income through Social Security checks and/or veterans’ benefits such as disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits, to file their 2007 tax statement as soon as possible.
Many eligible seniors and veterans are not typically required to file a federal tax return, but will have to file a 2007 statement in order to receive a one-time rebate of at least $300.
Likewise, low-income workers who have an earned income above $3,000 but do not regularly file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must also submit their 2007 tax returns in order to receive their rebate checks.
President Bush announced that rebate checks will start to be distributed April 28 – five days earlier than originally anticipated. Oct. 15, 2008 is the last day for tax filers to submit their 2007 forms in order to receive the economic stimulus rebate.
“I supported this economic stimulus package because it represents a first step in helping South Jersey families get through the financial challenges that exist and lie ahead, but its benefits will only be felt if every eligible resident receives their check,” said LoBiondo in a release.
“It is critically important for seniors, disabled veterans and low income workers to be aware that they will not receive a rebate check if they do not file a 2007 tax return.”
As outlined in the economic stimulus package approved by the Congress and signed into law, a one-time tax rebate of $600 per individual ($1,200 per married couple filing together) will also be sent to those residents who make under $75,000 annually ($150,000 per married couple annually) and have filed their 2007 tax returns. Additionally, parents with children will receive an additional $300 per child.
“I believe these tax rebates should be viewed as only the first step in helping hard-working families and growing our nation’s economy. South Jersey families need more than short-term fixes; they need to be empowered to make their own fiscal choices without the burden of unnecessary taxes and, thus, allow you to keep the greatest share of your hard-earned money,” concluded LoBiondo.
LoBiondo also urged tax filers to be diligent in protecting their sensitive information during this tax season. There are several scams currently targeted at consumers anticipating their standard refunds or the one-time tax rebates. The IRS has issued warnings to consumers to be on the look-out for email and telephone scams that use the agency’s name and claim to provide quicker returns.
In actuality, the scam is seeking the victim’s personal and financial information to commit identity theft. Such attempts have already been reported across the country, including in South Jersey. If an individual believes that they have been targeted by one of these scams, they are encouraged to contact the IRS at their hotline, 1-800-366-4484, or the Congressman’s Mays Landing office at 609-625-5008 or toll-free at 1-800-471-4450.