News from the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Public Information Contacts: Linda Van Zandt / Joanne Vuoso / Lisa Krueger

908.231.7020    publicinfo@co.somerset.nj.us

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

February 25, 2008

 

Individuals Must File to Get Stimulus Payment

 

            Most people will automatically receive the economic-stimulus rebates signed into law by President Bush.

 

However, individuals who might not otherwise be required to file a 2007 tax return will need to file a return this year in order to receive the stimulus payment. They can use the regular 1040 form.

 

The stimulus package includes rebates to approximately 130 million taxpayers with qualifying earned income.  With pressure from many, including AARP, Congress added $300 rebates for 20 million low-income, older Americans and 250,000 disabled veterans.

 

The basic plan will grant $600 payments for individuals and $1,200 for couples, plus $300 for each child younger than 17.  Eligibility will begin to be phased out at $75,000 in adjusted gross income for individuals and at $150,000 for couples. Workers who earned $3,000 last year – too little on which to pay income taxes – will be eligible for payments of $300.

 

Those $300 payments will also go to seniors, disabled veterans and veterans’ widows who could show $3,000 in Social Security or veterans' disability benefits. Recipients must have a valid Social Security number.

 

In Somerset County, the Office of Volunteer services is offering free tax-preparation assistance for low- and middle-income county residents through April 15.  Individuals may file for the stimulus payment after April 15, but must do so on their own or through a paid tax assistant.

 

Volunteers are currently working in Raritan and Manville, Franklin, Hillsborough, Bridgewater, Bernardsville, North Plainfield, Warren, Bound Brook and Bedminster.

 

Eligible Somerset County residents may call 908-541-5710 to schedule an appointment to get their taxes done.

 

IRS Fact Sheet #1 – PDF File

IRS Fact Sheet #2 – PDF File