Economic Stimulus Advisory: Deadline to file for economic stimulus payment rapidly approaching
By: Source: aarp.org Date Posted:
Tens of thousands of older Oregonians have yet to take advantage of an opportunity to obtain some extra cash by filing an economic stimulus payment. But there are a number of resources available to help individuals apply for the payment before the upcoming deadline of Oct. 15.
As the Services Coordinator for the Olive Plaza apartment located in Eugene, Ed Oxenreider, is responsible for helping the building's low-income older residents access the resources available to them. Currently, informing residents of economic stimulus program and assisting them in the filing process is Oxenreider's top priority.
"For many of the residents, it allows them to get that one item they haven't previously been able to afford," Oxenreider said.
Approaching quickly, the deadline to file for an economic stimulus payment is Oct. 15, 2008. Unfortunately, according to the latest report by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as of September, more than 42,0000 Oregonians – 66 percent of those eligibile – aged 65 and older still have yet to file for the $300 (or $600 payment if filing jointly) economic stimulus payment.
This statistic suggests that that many older Oregonians may still be unaware that they are eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment, says Jerry Cohen, state director for AARP Oregon.
"We urge those who have not yet applied to do so," Cohen said. "With the help of friends, families, and volunteers from programs like AARP Tax-Aide, there is no reason that every eligible Oregonian shouldn't be able to help enhance their financial security by receiving a stimulus payment."
Fortunately, the process of filing for the payment is relatively simple. People who do not need to file a tax return but who have received at least $3,000 in Social Security benefits, veterans' benefits, certain railroad retirement benefits, and/or earned income in 2007, just need to submit a simplified version of the 1040A tax form to the IRS in order to receive a stimulus payment.
According to IRS Spokeswoman Kathy Howell, as of Sept. 6 there were 64,332 outstanding checks in Oregon translating into just under $19.3 million available for older Oregonians.
"As many of these individuals are very low income, $300, or $600 if they are filing jointly, can really make a difference," Kathy Howell said. "This extra money can be used to help buy groceries or pay the bills."
To assist individuals, AARP Tax Aide (an AARP Foundation program) and the National Council on Aging have created an online stimulus payment tool that includes step-by-step instruction on how to apply for a stimulus payment. Easy to use, this tool asks individuals to answer a few questions and, based on the individual's responses, fills in the 1040A form. Upon the conclusion of the questions, all users need to do is print out their completed form, sign and mail it. Just visit www.aarp.org/stimulushelp.
In addition to the online tool, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers across the state are available to personally assist individuals in properly completing and submitting their 1040A form. To find a Tax-Aide site or volunteer near you, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669 toll-free.
For additional information or assistance, visit www.irs.gov or call 1-866-234-2942.
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IRS: Stimulus Payments – It’s Not Too Late
Oregon Center for Public Policy: Vulnerable Oregonians at Risk of Missing Out on Stimulus Checks
Other Resources
Aging & Disabilities Services Helpline at 503-988-3646.
IRS Web site, Toll-free at 866-234-2942.
Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) – call 800-829-1040 toll-free and ask for the closest site near you.
County by county data on the number of eligible Oregonians who have not filed an economic stimulus check.
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