By The Greene County Record
Published: March 20, 2008

Under the federal government’s Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, millions of tax filers expect to receive economic stimulus payments this year of $300 ($600 on a joint return.)

Many seniors and other Social Security recipients who don’t usually need to file a tax return are wondering if they need to file one this year in order to receive the much-talked about stimulus benefit.

The answer, says AARP and tax experts, is yes. According to the Internal Revenue Service: recipients of Social Security or veterans’ benefits as well as taxpayers who do not make enough money to normally file a 2007 tax return may be eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment.

But you won’t get a stimulus payment in 2008 if you don’t file a 2007 tax return.

All who are eligible will need to file a “1040A form.” Most who are eligible - and who don’t usually file a tax return—will receive this form in the mail from the IRS.

Filing tax forms for those who don’t normally have to can be overwhelming.

Locally, there is help. For example, on Tuesday, March 25, AARP representatives will be available that morning at the JABA Senior Center in Stanardsville to help seniors with filing taxes. Virginia Corporate Extension in Madison also offers help on Mondays by appointment, 540-948-6881. Greene Alliance of Church and Community Efforts (GRACE) also offers help, by appointment, 985-6792.

To get your economic stimulus payment safely and securely, AARP officials urge folks to remember the following:  watch out for scammers who call to ask for your Social Security number or bank account—or sends you a letter that tells you to respond by phone or email.

The bottom line: please seek help if you have any questions