File for the Economic Stimulus Payment before October 15 Deadline!
by Meg Newman
Washington, DC ranks first in the nation in the percentage of eligible residents who have not yet filed for the Economic Stimulus Payment (ESP). There are still 15,000 DC residents who are eligible for the ESP and have yet to file a tax return. This represents a potential $4.5 million loss to the DC economy and residents. Don’t leave money on the table! Here’s how you can find out more or get help to claim your payment:
What is the Economic Stimulus Payment (ESP)?
The Economic Stimulus Payment (ESP) is an effort on the part of the national government to alleviate the financial burden of the struggling economy. These “bonus” checks are available to individuals who received more than $3,000 in 2007 in Social Security benefits, Veterans’ benefits, or wages. The payment is $300 for those with no tax burden and an additional $300 for each eligible dependent child.
Please note: Individuals who have already filed tax returns do not need to file separately for the ESP. Residents who have been claimed as a dependent on another person’s return are not eligible for the payment. Individuals who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also not able to request the payment (unless it was in conjunction with wages, Social Security or Veterans’ Benefits).
How can residents claim the ESP?
In order to claim the ESP, every eligible individual must file a tax return. Even individuals who are not required to file a return, have not done so in years, or have never filed a return are required to file in order to access this benefit. The Internal Revenue Service form 1040A includes a line (14A) to list Social Security benefits (this line is also for Veterans’ Benefits). Returns can be filed electronically or by mail. The deadline for filing a return to claim the ESP is October 15, 2008.
Who are these 15,000 residents who have not claimed their payments?
Most of the filers who haven’t yet claimed their payments are seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who are not otherwise required to file a tax return, and may not realize they qualify. Nationally, 5 million low-income seniors, disabled veterans and other low-income workers are at risk of missing out on their payments. Residents unable to leave their homes are especially at risk of missing out on the payment.
How can I get help to claim the ESP?
On October 11, 2008 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. volunteers will offer FREE tax filing assistance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G Street NW (near the Metro Center or Gallery Place metro stops). The DC Earned Income Tax Credit (DC EITC) Campaign along with Community Tax Aid, Councilmember Jack Evans’ Office, the Mayor’s Office, Catholic Charities, and the DC Office on Aging will host this FREE event for the public.
Social Security recipients can file for the ESP on this date so long as they have an approximation of their sources and amount of income from 2007.
Those looking for assistance in filing a tax return including wages are also welcome; however, their income must be under $30,000 for individuals, or $40,000 for families to be eligible for the free service. Please bring a Social Security card and all relevant tax and financial documents to receive in-person tax filing assistance.
Family and friends of home-bound ESP-eligible residents are welcome to come get information, ask questions, or receive assistance on behalf of a loved one. Please bring some form of picture identification information for the filer.
Eligible individuals with access to the internet can use the AARP’s online filing tool at: www.aarp.org/money for help completing and filing the 1040A.
Help spread the word and ensure the DC economy does not lose $4.5 million!
If you work, live or regularly interact with seniors, veterans and/or individuals with disabilities, ask if they have received their ESP payment. Inform them of the free assistance available. The DC EITC Campaign can share promotional materials with you to help spread the word. For more information on the ESP outreach effort or the DC EITC Campaign’s year-round work, please contact: info@dceitc.org or 202-419-1442.
