August 27, 2008

Seniors Have Until October 15 to Apply for Federal Economic Stimulus Payment

SPRINGFIELD, PA – Representative Bill Adolph (R-165) advised seniors, including retirees and veteran beneficiaries, that they have until October 15th to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for their economic stimulus check.

Representative Adolph, who is a practicing accountant, expressed concern that there are a number of local seniors who will miss out on the funds because they are not required to file a tax return.  Under the economic stimulus package, local residents are eligible to receive $300 for and individuals and $600 for a couple filing jointly, but they must file an IRS form this year. 

Individuals who submitted their tax returns to the IRS need do nothing.  However, individuals who did not need to file a return but received at least $3,000 from veterans, railroad retirement or Social Security benefits must complete and submit a simplified version of the 1040A tax form to the IRS to receive their stimulus payment. 

“My main concern is that our retirees and veterans receive the economic stimulus payments that they are due,” said Adolph.  “A number of seniors are not required to submit tax returns – they need to know that the IRS is requiring them to complete a form this year in order to receive their stimulus check.” 

Copies of the 1040A form are available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at (800) 829-1040.