IRS Offers Clinic For Stimulus Check Help

Special Stimulus Payment Help Site Open Aug. 16 in Chattanooga
TN-2008-83, Aug. 8, 2008
CHATTANOOGA — The Urban League and the Internal Revenue Service are working to make sure local retirees, disabled veterans and low-income workers get help filing for an economic stimulus payment.

Time is running out for 123,000 Social Security and VA benefits recipients in Tennessee, including 6,834 in Hamilton Co., who appear to be eligible for a stimulus payment but have not yet filed a 2007 federal income tax return to claim their payment.

They must file by Oct. 15 to get a payment this year.

Free return preparation will be offered for those who normally are not required to file a federal income tax return but are filing this year only to claim a stimulus payment.

The special free help site will be at the Eastgate Town Center, 5600 Brainerd Rd., in the Food Court area on Sat., Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Filers should bring: (1) Picture ID or other identity document, (2) verification of Social Security Number for all persons to be listed on the return, (3) Form 1099 or a benefits statement showing Social Security or VA benefits received in 2007 (or simply the amount received if no statement is available), (4) proof of any other income – taxable or nontaxable.

To qualify for a payment, filers must have at least $3,000 in wages, tips or salary or other qualifying income, which can include Social Security benefits, VA benefits, Railroad Retirement or nontaxable combat pay.  SSI does not qualify.

People who normally do not have file a tax return may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) plus an additional $300 per eligible child under age 17.

Dependents and those who do not have a valid Social Security Number generally do not qualify for a stimulus payment.
The IRS reminds the public to watch out for stimulus payment scams. People who have already filed a 2007 federal return with the IRS do not need to file again. No one needs to complete or file any forms other than a 2007 federal income tax return to get a stimulus payment.