IRS to help clear path for stimulus
Help is on the way for people whose incomes are so low that they don’t have to pay federal taxes but who still want to get in on the new economic stimulus payments.
More than 300 IRS offices will throw open their doors Saturday in an effort to reach roughly 20 million individuals who are eligible for stimulus payments but are normally not required to file annual tax returns.
“We don’t want any Americans to miss out on their economic stimulus payment,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Super Saturday is one way the IRS and its partners are working to ensure everyone eligible receives a stimulus payment.”
The IRS will begin issuing payments of up to $600 per person -- $1,200 per couple -- as early as May. However, recipients must file a tax return to receive a check.
Taxpayers who get the bulk of their income from Social Security retirement or disability payments, as well as military service members who receive disability or combat pay, are eligible for stimulus payments of $300 each, or $600 per couple.
However, the agency is concerned about taxpayers who may miss out because they earn too little in taxable income to be required to file.
The event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, will be repeated on April 12, the Saturday before tax filing day, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., said Victor Omelczenko, an IRS spokesman in Los Angeles.
To find a local IRS office, go to the agency’s website at www.irs.gov and, using the drop-down menu on the right, select “I need to . . . call or contact the IRS.”
The tax agency is also working with AARP and the United Way to co-sponsor thousands more assistance centers for low-income and elderly taxpayers that will also be open Saturday -- and some throughout the week. To find local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites call (800) 906-9887. For AARP’s Tax Aide centers, call (888) 227-7669.
The IRS has launched an aggressive campaign to reach nonfilers so they can get stimulus payments by simply filling in a few lines on the 1040A form. Some IRS volunteers are even going to hospitals and convalescent homes, attempting to help residents fill out the proper forms to receive payments.
About 20.5 million information packets and 1040A forms also were mailed last week, aimed at explaining what’s required of those receiving Social Security, railroad retirement or military pay to get a stimulus payment. Additionally, the agency has a variety of links on its website to explain the payments and to provide forms.
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