Governor Riley and Organizations Urge Seniors to Receive Economic Stimulus Checks

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

August 04, 2008

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley wants senior citizens and disabled veterans to know they will miss out on receiving their economic stimulus checks this year if they don’t file a federal income tax return by October 15.

The Governor was joined by representatives from several organizations at the State Capitol today that are working to get that message out to Alabama’s seniors and veterans.

“Many senior citizens and disabled veterans are on fixed incomes, and with higher prices for gas and food and other necessities, they really need the financial boost the stimulus payments offer,” said Governor Riley. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on their stimulus payment. This is real money that could ease a financial burden.”

Taxpayers who don’t file a federal income tax return by October 15 will not receive a stimulus check this year, even if they are otherwise eligible. Many retirees and disabled veterans do not normally file a tax return because their income is nontaxable or because it does not meet threshold requirements. But anyone who has at least $3,000 in qualifying income could receive a stimulus check of $300 or $600.

An estimated 112,000 senior citizens and disabled veterans in Alabama are eligible to receive a stimulus check but have yet to file a tax return. The estimated total amount of stimulus payments waiting to be claimed by them is $33.6 million.

Efforts to inform senior citizens and veterans about the economic stimulus payments are underway statewide through a variety of agencies and organizations, including: the Internal Revenue Service, the Alabama Department of Senior Services, United Way of Central Alabama, the Governor’s Task force on Strengthening Families, Alabama Area Agencies on Aging, AARP and Alabama Arise.

In addition to the work these organizations are doing, Governor Riley is also encouraging individuals to reach out to their family and friends who are retirees. “Make sure they are filing federal income tax returns this year so they can protect their right to collect an economic stimulus payment.”

Taxpayers needing help with filing for a stimulus payment may come to one of the six IRS offices in Alabama (Birmingham, Dothan, Florence, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery). Another option is to visit http://www.irs.gov or to call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. Taxpayers may also call United Way at 2-1-1 or 1-866-869-4921 to find a stimulus payment help site.

For more contact information, visit Governor Bob Riley's Web Site: http://www.governor.alabama.gov/ For videos of Governor Bob Riley visit: http://www.media.alabama.gov/ Alabama State Agency Directory | Alabama State Employee Directory