Story Published:
Jun 25, 2008 at 3:53 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 26, 2008 at 4:30 PM CST
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Internal Revenue Service says more than 5.4 million senior citizens and disabled veterans, and about 16,500 in the 7th Congressional District in southwest Missouri, are qualified to receive economic stimulus checks but have not applied.
Congress approved an economic stimulus this year that sent federal checks of at least $300 to individuals and $600 to couples filing jointly. People who don’t earn enough to have to file 2007 income tax returns won’t get checks, however, unless they mail a form to the IRS.
People who filed tax returns this year are eligible for economic stimulus checks. People who receive Social Security, railroad pensions and veterans' benefits, plus taxpayers who do not make enough to normally file a 2007 tax return, still have time to qualify for stimulus checks. Anyone making at least $3,000 of qualifying income in
2007 is eligible to receive a check.
The IRS will send letters to eligible taxpayers this summer to explain the stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can completed and mail to the IRS.
The IRS will continue accepting tax forms through Oct. 15. To qualify, request a 1040A-3 packet from the IRS’s Web site, the field center at 402 S. Main St., Joplin, or the office at 3333 S. National Ave., Springfield, and complete the required sections. Missouri residents should mail their paperwork to the Department of Treasury IRS Service
Center in Kansas City, Missouri 64999-0099.
Here are the IRS’ estimates on those who have not filed in the 7th District, as provided by U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt’s office. Blunt's office says two out of three eligible persons who have not filed a return are over age 65, and all 16,500 have incomes below $10,800.
County
Barry
1,324
Christian
1,056
Greene
4,814
Jasper
2,542
Lawrence
510
McDonald
616
Newton
1,868
Polk
740
Stone
841
Taney
1,249
