Published: September 29, 2008 07:35 pm         

Time running out on chance to file for economic stimulus payment

PRINCETON — Senior citizens living on fixed incomes can always use a boost in this time of higher prices at the pump and in the grocery store, so they are being encouraged to take their last opportunity to sign up for economic stimulus money.

The Oct. 15 deadline to file a 2007 income tax return and receive an economic stimulus payment will be here soon, said Eric Erickson, a spokesman for the IRS. About 34,000 seniors and veterans in West Virginia still have not filed to claim their payment.

In West Virginia, Mercer and McDowell County seniors can contact the West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Center at (304) 425-2040 for help.

Seniors who wish to receive the stimulus funds — at least $300 for single individuals and $600 for married couples — must file a 1040A form by Oct. 15

The resource center in Princeton can help seniors file the 1040A form and the 1040X form, Resource Counselor Amanda Woods said.

The center’s personnel also helps seniors file the forms if they have already filed regular taxes, but did not include how much they receive in Social Security benefits.

“We’ve had a few people call in,” Woods said. “Most of ours come in over the phone. We’re also trying to help people track down their payments if they have already filed.”

The center’s services are free, and the stimulus money can aid seniors during difficult economic times.

“These payments help a lot of people out,” Woods said. “I know a lot of people using them for gas, food or utility bills.”

According to figures compiled in July, 889 Princeton residents and 751 Bluefield people still had not filed a return making eligible for the stimulus funds, Woods said.

In Virginia, seniors in Tazewell and Buchanan counties can contact Clinch Valley Community Action to get help from its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at (276) 988-5583.

Erickson said most of the people who have not filed ordinarily are the ones who are not required to do so.

However, people in this situation must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income from earned income, nontaxable combat pay as well as certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

Qualifying income from Social Security includes retirement, disability and survivor benefits. Supplemental Security Income is not a qualifying income, Erickson said.

Qualifying income from Veterans Affairs includes disability compensation, disability pension and survivor benefits.

Railroad Retirement Board benefits that qualify include the social security equivalent portion of Tier I benefits, Erickson said.

People who are dependents or eligible to be dependents on another person’s tax return are not eligible. People must have a valid Social Security Number unless their spouse is a member of the military.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

     

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