Washington, D.C. – The Internal Revenue (IRS) Service will, on May 2, begin mailing more than $3.8 billion in tax rebate checks to Michiganders, and Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) is reminding seniors and disabled veterans, who may not normally file income tax returns, to file their 2007 returns by April 15. The congressionally enacted Economic Stimulus Act makes available a 2007 tax rebate for more than 4.5 million Michigan households, but only those who file a 2007 tax return are eligible.

Congress passed H.R. 5140, the Recovery, Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act, offering much needed relief to working families, seniors and veterans with disabilities. The bipartisan bill will provide for a timely and targeted investment in the middle class to stimulate the slowing economy.

“The State of Michigan is expected to be among the top beneficiaries of the stimulus package. The tax rebates in Michigan are estimated to reach $3.8 billion. In our state, 4.5 million households will receive rebates,” said Kildee. “Timely action here in Washington means one thing for my constituents – money – that’s money in your pocket, money for small business owners and money that is circulated back into Michigan’s economy. To receive a rebate however, you must file a 2007 tax return.”

Who Is Eligible?

ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE FILED THEIR 2007 TAXES

WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE REBATES

·        If you reported tax liability for your 2007 income tax return you will be eligible for up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child.

·        Americans who earned income of at least $3,000 in 2007 will get at least $300 per individual and $600 per couple, plus a tax credit of $300 per child.

·        The measure provides rebates to anyone who receives at least $3,000 in Social Security income, self-employment income or veterans’ disability payments (including payments to survivors of disabled veterans). 

Seniors/ Disabled Veterans

If you do not have to file a 2007 tax return for tax purposes, you still must file a return in order to receive an economic stimulus payment. You are eligible for a payment if you have received a total of $3,000 or more in qualifying income, including:

            - Earned income (wages and salary, and not pension, interest or dividends);

- Social Security benefits (including social security disability payments and not SSI);

            - Certain railroad retirement benefits;

            - Certain veterans’ benefits; and

            - Nontaxable combat pay.

For more information, visit the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/k1040a3.pdf

When?

The IRS has made public the following stimulus payment schedule for tax returns received and processed by April 15:

Tax Town Hall

A representative of Rep. Kildee will discuss the federal tax rebate package at a town hall meeting hosted by State Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint).  The meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church, 5802 Dupont St. in Flint, to help residents prepare their income tax returns and make the most of all available credits and deductions. The meeting will feature tax professionals and a representative from the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to answer residents' questions about filing their income tax returns.