IRS: Retirees, vets have not claimed stimulus payments
More than 2,200 retirees and disabled veterans in Rock County have not filed for the economic stimulus payments for which they are entitled.
Statewide, the Internal Revenue Service is reaching out to some 77,000 retirees and disabled veterans in Wisconsin. Nearly 76 percent of the people in this group are accounted for in the stimulus payments currently being sent.
In Wisconsin’s five largest counties, nearly 30,000 seniors and vets are missing out on their chance to get an economic stimulus payment. That includes 2,263 in Rock County.
Individuals must file a tax return before Oct. 15 to receive their economic stimulus payments this year.
“The key to unlock the stimulus payment is a 2007 tax return,” said Christopher Miller, the IRS spokesman in Wisconsin. “It only takes a few minutes for people not otherwise required to file an income tax return to file Form 1040A with basic information to ensure they receive their payment if they qualify.”
Some retirees and others who normally do not file a tax return might be eligible and not know it. That’s where the IRS wants the public’s help.
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 generally provided for payments of $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns or the amount equal to the 2007 net income tax liability, whichever is less), plus $300 for each qualifying child. Payments also begin to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $75,000 ($150,000 married couples filing jointly).
For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.
Jul 8, 2008 at 7:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
these are vets that are entitled to more money than what the IRS and people as a whole give them credit for... a meager $300 or $600 for economic relief?? if you put your life on the line and are a disabled or retired vet, don't you think that what you've been through as a person just to protect the lives of your people and nation would deserve more than just petty "pocket change"??
Jul 8, 2008 at 3:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
I think it's basically awareness. These are people who often do not have to file. They may think that makes them ineligible for a check. If you know of a person who might be in this category you could casually bring up the subject.
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I have done tax filing as a professional and a volunteer in the past. Be aware that there are also many options for filing your taxes free of charge. You may easily eligible and don't know it.
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=1...
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To file just to receive a stimulus check:
http://www.irs.gov/efile/lists/0,,id=179...
Jul 8, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
maybe some of the vets (disabled/retired) feel as though what little the stimulus checks would be wouldn't be worth it with the cost of everything being so heavily inflated... ok, $300/single, $600/married... you're looking at maybe a week or 2 in gas (depending on the vehicle and amount of travel one does); a few things for the refridgerator/pantry... they're the ones that put their lives on the line for us and our country, and that's all the thanks they get?!
for all of the vets out there, thank you for your sacrifices and dedication... thank you for your time served to keep our families and country safe...
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