Today U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) reminded his constituents – including low-income seniors and disabled veterans – who wouldn’t otherwise have to file a 2007 tax return to do so by October 15th in order to get their economic stimulus checks from the federal government. According to statistics released this week by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 17,800 2nd District residents are at risk of missing out on their stimulus checks if they don’t file by the October deadline.
“With the high cost of food and gas, money is tight these days for many of my constituents,” said Larsen. “I want to make sure that all of my constituents – including low-income seniors and disabled veterans -- know what they need to do to get their economic stimulus checks from the federal government.”
Under the economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February, 20 million low-income seniors, disabled veterans and others who are not usually required to file a tax return with the IRS must do so by October 15th in order to receive a stimulus check. According to the IRS, a quarter of these individuals have yet to file the paperwork necessary to receive their $300 payments ($600 for married couples).
IRS employees are available help with the necessary paperwork at Taxpayer Assistance Centers, including locations in Everett and Bellingham. For more information, visit www.irs.gov or call the toll-free Rebate Hotline at 1-866-234-2942.
County-by-County breakdown of eligible constituents who haven’t yet filed: 10,552 in Snohomish County 3,604 in Whatcom County 2,395 in Skagit County 1,295 in Island County