Time running out to apply for stimulus payments

    Rep. Patricia Sutherland, D-Chapman, is reminding Maine’s seniors and veterans that they need to apply for the federal economic stimulus payment even if they did not earn enough to be required to file taxes.   
    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the AARP recently informed Sutherland and other state officials that as many as 31,000 Maine seniors and veterans have yet to apply for the economic stimulus payments that they are eligible to receive. Sutherland said that over 350 of her constituents in Castle Hill, Chapman, Hammond, Littleton, Mapleton, Masardis, Monticello, Presque Isle, Wade and Washburn may be among this number.
    “I encourage all those residents of this area who are eligible for the federal stimulus check to fill out the easy form and send it in,” said Sutherland. “The $300 or $600 that you can receive will be a big help with rising expenses – particularly for winter heating.” 
     Many people do not normally have to file federal income taxes because their income is especially low. However, in order to receive an economic stimulus payment, this year they need to file Form 1040A with the IRS. This includes people who receive at least $3,000 in earnings and/or benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs disability or a Retired Railroad Worker’s pension. The economic stimulus payment is a one-time payment of $300 for individuals in this category, $600 for married couples filing jointly and more if children are in the home.
    Taxpayers who already filed a 2007 tax return began receiving their economic stimulus checks in the spring. They do not need to do anything more. But those who had no tax liability and did not file a 2007 tax return will lose money due to them unless they file a 1040A form by Oct. 15. They must file a 1040A form even if they do not owe any taxes in order to get their economic stimulus check. All together, more than $9 million in Maine could go unclaimed if people do not file by Oct. 15.
    “Applying is pretty easy,” said Sutherland. “I am happy to help anyone with the form, or put people in touch with agencies who can assist. I also ask that family members assist senior relatives to make sure they get their application in before the deadline. It can really make a difference.”
    Seniors and veterans can call the AARP toll free at 877-353-3771, visit www.aarp.org/stimulushelp or call the IRS directly at 800-829-0582, extension 377.
    To have a copy of the “Economic Stimulus Payment, Guide for Benefit Recipients” e-mailed or mailed to you by  Sutherland, contact  her at 764-1490 or psutherland@sutherlandweston.com.