Published: March 11, 2008 08:31 pm         

Taxpayers must file return to be eligible for rebate

Those living on Social Security could receive a check for up to $1,200 from the U.S. government this year — but they must file a 2007 tax return to receive the money.

“The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 means most taxpayers will receive a tax rebate beginning in May of this year,” explained Bruce Lane, certified public accountant for Cloyd & Associates. “But in order to get this rebate, one must file the tax return.”

In previous years, Social Security beneficiaries, low-income workers, certain railroad retirees and those who receive certain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs were not required to file a tax return.

But this year is different.

“Those people need to go ahead and file tax returns even though they have no tax due,” Lane said.

Those wanting to file need to fill out form 1040. Rebates range from $300 to $1,200. In addition to the rebate, families with children under 17 can receive additional monies for each child.

Low-income workers must earn at least $3,000 per year to qualify. Social Security beneficiaries, railroad retirees and recipients of Veterans Affairs benefits must receive $3,000 in qualifying income — meaning monies provided to them through a government agency — in order to receive the rebate.

Donna Stanifer, executive director of the Laurel County Older Persons Activity Center, said she has helped about a dozen senior citizens fill out their forms to receive the rebate so far.

“This is pretty simple,” she said. “But they haven’t filed a return for many years. It’s easier for me to do it for them.”

Stanifer said those she’s helped are thrilled when they hear they’re eligible for the rebate.

“They’re tickled to death,” she said. “They’re living on fixed incomes. Every little bit helps.”

Lane agreed.

“A lot of retired persons who live on a fixed income could really use this rebate and a great many of them probably have not been filing tax returns,” he said. “In order to get the rebate they have to file for this particular year.”

The necessary forms are available at the post office and on the Internal Revenue Service Web site at www.irs.gov. The deadline to file is April 15.