WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today reminded Eighth Congressional District residents that they must file a federal tax return this year to be eligible for economic stimulus tax rebates, even if they do not ordinarily do so.

“I want to be sure everyone in our district knows how to make sure they get the tax rebate.  This program is meant to be a boost to our economy, and I want it to be a boost to our local economy in particular,” Emerson said.  “Eligibility depends on the person filing a federal tax return – and anyone who had more than $3,000 in income from Social Security or veterans disability benefits must do this in order to receive the tax rebate check.”

The Internal Revenue Service has posted helpful materials in an online Economic Stimulus Payments Center at www.irs.gov, or concerned constituents can call any of Emerson’s congressional offices.  The IRS website contains materials specifically formulated for recipients of Social Security and veterans disability benefits.

“There is a small window here for Americans who have more than $3,000 in income or pay $1 in federal income tax to file the documents that ensure they are on the list for a tax rebate.  This is really the only necessary step in the process, so it is very important that every eligible resident of our district send in their federal income tax return – even if there is a zero at the bottom of the form for taxes you owe,” Emerson said.  “Please find a reliable tax preparer or contact my office if you run into any questions about eligibility during this process.”

The deadline for filing federal income tax returns for 2007 is April 15, 2008, and the U.S. Treasury will begin issuing tax rebate checks to eligible Americans in May.

Telephone numbers for Emerson’s congressional offices are as follows:

Cape Girardeau: (573) 335-0101
Farmington: (573) 756-9755
Rolla: (573) 364-2455
Washington, DC: (202) 225-4404