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Want a rebate? File first
Those who don't usually do federal tax forms can get help
By Michelle Koetters
mkoetters@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL — Some unlikely candidates may need some tax help this year.

Millions of Americans who don’t normally file federal tax returns must do so this year to receive the government’s economic stimulus payment, said Sue Hales, Internal Revenue Service spokeswoman for Illinois. That group includes senior citizens, veterans, retirees and lower-income workers, she said.

“The only way to get a stimulus payment is to send us a tax return,” Hales said.

IRS offices will be open Saturday to prepare the simple Form 1040A for free for people who need to file a return just to get their government checks, Hales said. The Bloomington office, 310 S. Prospect Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The office also is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To qualify for a stimulus payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 of qualifying income for 2007. Qualifying income includes earned income, such as wages, tips, nontaxable combat pay and self-employment; Social Security retirement, disability and survivor’s benefits; Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits; and disability, pension and survivor’s benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Typically, a person’s age and filing status determine the minimum income threshold for filing a tax return. For example, a single filer over 65 years of age would generally have to earn $10,050 before needing to file a return. This year, that filer could earn less and still need to file in order to receive the stimulus payment.

Meanwhile, Twin City residents also can get free tax assistance before the April 15 filing deadline at other locations in town, including the Bloomington Housing Authority, Miller Park Pavilion, Normal Public Library and the Normal Senior Center.

Most of the people who have come to the Normal Senior Center are regular filers, though some people who might not usually file taxes also have come for free tax preparation services, said Neil Sallee, site manager for the volunteer tax assistance program.

A number of groups who work with senior citizens are sending information to help to dispel the confusion and encourage people to file, Sallee said.

Meanwhile, a stimulus payment package also has been sent to 700,000 recipients of Social Security and Veterans’ benefits in Illinois. The package includes everything individuals need to file a tax return, Hales said. The package contains information that explains the stimulus payment and a sample and actual Form 1040A.

“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible,” she said.

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