Fridays With Chris; Getting Your Economic Stimulus Payment

Op-Ed

Fridays With Chris; Getting Your Economic Stimulus Payment

Dear Friend,

My office has received questions from people concerned about receiving their economic stimulus payment. Here are a few items that should help answer any questions you may have.

File a tax return: Even if you do not normally file a tax return, you may still be entitled to an economic stimulus payment. To receive the stimulus package payment, you must file a 2007 IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040A, reporting at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form. SSA benefits are considered qualifying income to receive a stimulus payment. This is very important for our seniors to know: you must fill out the IRS Form 1040 or 1040A to receive the payment. These forms are located on my website, local public library, or please call my office toll free at (866) 846-8124 and we will mail them to you.

Are benefits income? YES—your benefits count as income, including Social Security, railroad retirement, and benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not.

Is the stimulus payment taxable? The stimulus payment is not taxable next year, nor will this affect the amount of SSA benefits you receive in the future.

What is the deadline to file the tax return? Deadline to file the 1040 or 1040A is Tuesday, April 15th.

When do the payments start? The IRS will begin mailing checks in May.

Additional questions? My office is here to help, if anyone has additional questions, please contact Joe Fabricatore at my office at (570) 585-9988. In addition, questions can be directed to Pennsylvania VITA at 1-800-829-1040.

Sincerely,

Christopher P. Carney
Member of Congress

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