Washington, D.C.  -  Certain local seniors and disabled veterans in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District must file a 2007 tax return in order to receive the recently enacted economic stimulus tax rebate, said U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) today.

  “Congress enacted a stimulus package to help fuel the economy and ensure working families, seniors and veterans have additional financial assistance to help weather this economic storm,” said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy.  “While many Americans are busy readying their returns for the current tax season, local seniors and veterans on fixed incomes may miss out on an opportunity to boost their buying power during tougher economic times, simply because they are normally not required to file an income tax return.”

This spring, more than 130 million Americans will receive a tax rebate from the federal government as result of the recently enacted economic stimulus bill. According to the new law, an individual or family with at least $3,000 in income, including Social Security and veteran disability benefits, or that pays at least $1 in income tax, will receive a rebate check of at least $300.

In recent weeks, many seniors and veterans that do not regularly file income taxes have contacted English’s office seeking guidance and assistance on how to properly obtain their tax rebate.  Today, English reminded 3rd Congressional District residents, including qualifying seniors and disabled veterans that would not typically file tax forms with the IRS, must file a 2007 tax return in order to receive their rebate check.

“As Americans across the country anxiously await the arrival of their rebate checks, local seniors and veterans must be sure to stay informed and take appropriate steps to get their check,” English said.  “By filing out a simple 2007 tax return, retirees, veterans, and their families can count on extra cash to help lower food, energy and other bills.”

Local residents can expect to receive tax rebate checks as early as May.  Questions can be directed to English’s local district office at: 814.456.2038 or by visiting his website at: www.house.gov/english.

*Tips and Guidelines for seniors follow:

Special Circumstances for Recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Certain Veterans Benefits

Individuals who receive Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans’ benefits may have to follow special filing requirements in order to receive the basic amount:
• Those who have already filed a 2007 return reflecting qualifying income of $3,000 or more do not have any additional filing requirements and do not need to do anything more to receive their payment.
• Those who have already filed a 2007 return showing less than $3,000 in qualifying income and did not list their Social Security, Railroad Retirement or certain veterans benefits should file a Form 1040X to list those non-taxable benefits and qualify for a payment.
• Those who are not required to file a 2007 return but whose total qualifying income including Social Security, certain Railroad Retirement and certain Veterans benefits would equal or exceed $3,000 should file a return reporting these benefits on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040 to establish their eligibility. Please note the form lines just mention Social Security, but use these lines even if your only benefits were Railroad Retirement or veterans’ benefits.
Free Tax Help Available
Low- and moderate-income workers, including veterans, can get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate the nearest VITA site.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. To find an AARP Tax Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Website.

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