WASHINGTON D.C. - As this year’s tax deadline approaches, U.S. Congressman Dan Boren reminds senior citizens and disabled veterans that they must file their 2007 taxes to receive the tax rebates Congress recently approved. Often, disabled veterans or seniors living in nursing homes, assisted-living, retirement communities, or individual homes do not file income tax anymore.
“Many of our senior citizens and veterans live on fixed budgets, and the cost of everyday goods and services has climbed greatly. We must make certain that everyone who is eligible receives his or her check. These rebates can be a significant benefit for many seniors and veterans by providing some extra money this year to help with any special costs that arise,” said Boren.
Boren also highlighted community service groups for their important work to provide free tax assistance to seniors. Free voluntary services are being offered in most communities to assist with completing the necessary tax returns. To locate assistance in your area, please contact the “Senior Info Line” at 1-800-211-2116 for the Oklahoma Area Agency on Aging office nearest you. A list can also be found on the web at http://www.o4aging.org/index.html.
“We have many wonderful groups across eastern Oklahoma and the state that provide critical services for Oklahomans everyday. I especially thank these community-based organizations for providing seniors free tax assistance. Without their work, many citizens that are eligible for tax relief would never receive it.”
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 passed February 7th and was signed into law February 13th. The final version contained provisions making everyone eligible for a rebate if they receive Social Security (SSA), Veterans Disability, Compensation, Pension or survivor’s benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) do not qualify as those payments do not count as income. For individuals who are currently on Medicaid, the rebate will not count as a resource for 3 months, and would not place them over the $2000 resource limit they must maintain to qualify.
The broad-based stimulus package will provide $1.5 billion in tax relief to some 1.5 million Oklahoma households with an average of $867 dollars each.
“Many families in the Second District are struggling just to make ends meet, and the economic downturn is only making things worse,” said Boren. “I’m proud this bipartisan package was approved quickly. It will give the economy a much-needed boost, and deliver families the relief they need right now.”
The package will provide 130 million Americans tax relief of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child.
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