Senior Spotlight By John Toscano
Special Offices Opened This Saturday To Help Seniors, Vets File Returns

Congressmember Joseph Crowley, the United Spinal Association, the host organization, and IRS representatives met last Thursday at the Bulova Corporate Center in Jackson Heights to explain the provisions applying to these special groups in the rebate legislation that was enacted.

The Internal Revenue Service, which is not usually considered the taxpayers' best friend, is showing another side this tax season. Wherever and however possible, the IRS has done its best to remind seniors and some others who don't ordinarily file a tax return that returns must be filed this year to receive an economic stimulus check from the federal government.

The latest step taken by the IRS to make sure that every citizen files a tax return to qualify for that government check will occur this Saturday when the tax collection agency opens 320 offices around the country to help low-income people, veterans and seniors to fill out the simple 1040A form that must be filed in order to get the $300 (for an individual) or $600 (for a couple) economic stimulus check that will be sent out starting in May.

A list of IRS offices providing assistance is available at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-906-9887. Some of the offices will have a community or advocacy group such as the AARP or United Way of America on hand to help out.

IRS field officers will also visit nursing homes and similar locations to spread the word that everyone must file a 1040A form in order to receive a check.

Seniors can rest assured that their Social Security benefits listed as income for 2007 on the form will not be taxable. The same applies for certain benefits that veterans will have to list on their 1040A forms.

Also concerned about reaching seniors, veterans and others who don't ordinarily file income tax returns, Congressmember Joseph Crowley, the United Spinal Association, (the host organization), and IRS representatives met last Thursday at the Bulova Corporate Center in Jackson Heights to explain the provisions applying to these special groups in the rebate legislation that was enacted.

Crowley (D- Queens/The Bronx) stated that the Democratic led Congress had enacted the legislation to provide "direct financial assistance to hard-working Americans in the form of tax rebate checks this year."

Crowley added: "Across Queens, these recovery rebates will put hundreds of dollars into the hands of families, individuals, veterans, and seniors. This package includes over a total of $100 billion in tax relief for Americans-up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per married couple, and $300 additional for each child.

"What you may not know is that in order to claim a rebate check, every eligible citizen must file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)- even if you pay no federal income tax. This means that millions of low-income workers, Social Security beneficiaries, and disabled veterans and their widows who normally don't file a tax return will have to file with the IRS this year. The IRS is encouraging these constituents to complete the Special Form 1040A in order to qualify for the tax rebate check.

"While those who receive Social Security or some forms of veterans' benefits should receive special information from the IRS about how to file for their rebate check in the coming days, I encourage everyone to do the neighborly thing and let your family, friends and neighbors know how important it is to file this year."

Gov. David A. Paterson also said in a statement: "We want to make certain that senior citizens who rely on Social Security and others on fixed incomes don't spend their limited resources needlessly. In addition, we want New Yorkers to know that the state and other community organizations have centers throughout New York offering free tax preparation that will allow these individuals to avoid fees charged by commercial tax preparers."

Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn (D- Flushing), said last week: "For those who annually file a tax return, it is not a problem. But it is an issue for some seniors receiving Social Security benefits and others who don't usually file tax returns. If you do not file a tax return this year, you will not receive a rebate check."

Mayersohn pointed out, "Certain Social Security recipients, railroad retirees, those receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and taxpayers with income below a certain level are ordinarily exempt from filing a tax return. However, those with at least $3,000 of qualifying income who file may be eligible for a $300 payment (or $600 on a joint return)."

Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer (D- Rockaways) also added her voice to those reminding seniors and vets to file a tax return in order to get the rebate. Pheffer stated: "The stimulus payment is only going to those who qualify and file a tax return. Unfortunately, it's not automatic, so I want to make sure all eligible New Yorkers get back the money that's been set aside for them."