Ohio Department of Aging
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April 2008
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Many older Ohioans are eligible for an income tax rebate of $300 to $1200 as part of the federal stimulus package. To qualify, eligible individuals must file a 2007 tax return that shows at least $3,000 in qualifying income.
Some seniors would not normally have to file a federal income tax return because certain Social Security, railroad retirement and veterans' benefits payments are not taxed, but they must file one if they want to be among the 130 million individuals who will receive a check from the federal Treasury beginning in May.
To ensure all seniors are able to qualify, the stimulus plan contains a special provision allowing Social Security recipients and recipients of certain veterans' benefits and certain railroad retirement benefits to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement and qualify for the stimulus payment.
For example, if you had $500 in earned income and $2,500 in Social Security benefits or any combination of benefit payments, you can count those payments toward your qualifying income. You would not owe any taxes on those benefits, but by filing a tax return and listing those benefits, you will receive a stimulus payment. Even someone with no earned income but $3,000 or more in the benefits above could qualify.
In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and $600 to $1200 for couples. Taxpayers may also receive $300 for each qualifying child under age 17 as of December 31, 2007.
In late March 2008, the IRS will send out a packet of information to anyone who received Social Security or VA benefits and did not file a tax return last year. This information will help you claim the stimulus payment.
Be aware that the IRS will not call or e-mail you to ask for personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up and report the incident to local law enforcement. More information about stimulus rebates is available at www.IRS.gov.
Individuals who need to file a return this year to receive a stimulus payment may be able to take advantage of free tax preparation sites statewide for low-income and elderly taxpayers. Contact your area agency on aging at 1-866-243-5678 for information about tax preparation assistance programs in your area.
You can also receive free tax help through the Ohio Benefit Bank, a web-based computer program to connect low and moderate-income Ohioans with access to work supports such as tax credits and public benefits. Trained counselors at sites statewide will help prepare and file federal and Ohio income tax returns at no cost to eligible Ohioans. Free income tax assistance is also available through an online, self-service program at www.obb.ohio.gov.
Ohio Department of Aging