FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS CHECKS TIED TO 2007 TAX RETURN

HARRISBURG, MARCH 25 – State Sen. Connie Williams reminds her constituents that in order to receive an economic stimulus payment from the federal government they must file a 2007 federal tax return.

 "There has been a good bit of debate on the merits of the federal economic stimulus plan, which will provide checks of up to $600 to taxpayers (more if you have children) for people who qualify," Williams said. "What taxpayers need to do to apply is to file a 2007 federal income tax return. If you do not file, you will not be eligible to receive a stimulus check. With the April 15^th tax deadline only a few weeks away, I thought it was important to get the word out."

 Stimulus checks will be issued to all taxpayers with qualifying income of at least $3,000 in 2007. This includes people who receive Social Security or veterans' benefits, as well as low-income workers, who may not normally file a tax return. Some higher income taxpayers may not receive a check, or may receive a reduced check.

 "Even if you are not technically required to file a return, due to your income level, you should file this year if you want to participate in the stimulus program," Williams said.

 Filing involves completing a 1040 or 1040A paper form or using IRS "e-file." A number of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites have been established to assist individuals of low to modest income (generally $40,000 and below). To locate one of these sites and receive free assistance with a tax return call 1-800-906-9887. Assistance is also available to older adults through AARP. To locate the nearest AARP tax assistance site call 1-888-227-7669.

 Stimulus checks will be issued beginning May 2^nd, with the first three weeks (May 2 through May 16^th) set aside for people who use direct deposit for their regular income tax refunds. Paper checks will be mailed beginning May 16^th through July 11^th. All check distributions will be based on the last two digits of the primary tax filer's Social Security number.

More information about filing federal income tax returns is available online at www.irs.gov. As a convenience to her constituents, Williams has posted the stimulus payment calendar on her Web site at www.senatorconniewilliams.com.