| IRS wants to give millions money
Millions of Americans could put hundreds of dollars in their pockets just by filing tax returns, according to the IRS. Filing a 2007 return by April 15 makes people eligible - even those who don't owe any taxes - for sizeable "economic stimulus" checks. And filing a 2004 return by April 15 is how a million Americans could collect the unclaimed $1.2 billion in refunds the agency has waiting for them. Just in Pennsylvania and New Jersey alone, more than $80 million is owed to more than 85,000 people who never filed a 2004 income-tax return. More than $550 awaits most of those eligible, according to IRS. Taxpayers must file by April 15, however, or that refund will become the property of the U.S. Treasury. No penalties are charged for filing late, if the taxpayer is owed a refund.
IRS aid available Saturday
About 320 Internal Revenue Service offices will be open Saturday to help retirees, veterans, low-income workers and others file income tax returns so they can receive economic stimulus payments from the federal government. People who do not pay federal income taxes may be eligible for a $300 payment ($600 for married couples) if they have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income is defined as any combination of earned income such as wages, non-taxable combat pay and certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement. Many households also will be eligible for an additional $300 for each qualifying child younger than 17. People who are filing a return solely to receive their stimulus payments must file Form 1040A.
IRS sets March 29 as Super Saturday
The Internal Revenue Service and scores of its partners nationwide will open hundreds of locations on Super Saturday, March 29, in an effort to reach those Americans who are eligible for the economic stimulus payment but who normally are not required to file an income tax return. "We don’t want any Americans to miss out on their economic stimulus payment. For millions of Americans, filing a tax return is not routine. Their income is either too low or not taxable. But this year, filing a 2007 tax return is the only way to receive an economic stimulus payment. Super Saturday is one way the IRS and its partners are working to ensure everyone eligible receives a stimulus payment," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. Millions of Americans who do not pay federal income taxes may be eligible for a $300 payment ($600 for married couples) if they have at least $3,000 in qualifying income.
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