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To boost the flagging economy, Congress authorized economic stimulus payments that eligible households claim by filing a 2007 tax return. However, the IRS identified about 20 million low-income seniors, disabled veterans and others with disabilities who are not otherwise required to file a tax return and, as a result, are at risk of missing out on their $300 payments ($600 for married couples).
In September, the IRS announced that 4.3 million people in this group had not yet filed. With the cost of energy, food and other expenses on the rise, the economic stimulus payments are as critical as ever, and assistance is available to those who need it. Eligible people have until October 15 to file for their payments.
IRS figures show 185 eligible residents in Guthrie County who could receive a total of $55,500.
For surrounding counties, here are figures for eligible residents and total dollar amounts:
Adair 108 - $32,400
Audubon 94 - $28,200
Carroll 272 - $81,600
Cass 255 - $76,500
Dallas 468 - $140,400
Greene 125 - $37500
Guthrie 185 - $55,500
Madison 208 - $62,400
Statewide, it was estimated Iowa has 37,100 eligible residents who had not filed, with total unclaimed payments of about $11.1 million.
According to CBPP (Centeron Budget & Policy Priorities), many people may not realize they are eligible, because they have not filed a tax return in many years as they have too little income. They might also mistakenly believe that receiving the stimulus payment might endanger eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, or other public benefits such as Medicaid or Food Stamps.
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©Guthrie Center Times 2010
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