Betsy Zuber
Page on Age

Tax filing season is here. There is either a feeling of dread for all the lost pieces of paper that I need to complete the filing or hopeful anticipation for a refund that surpasses my expectations. However for many older adults, the season blissfully passes by as their income does not necessitate the effort to file taxes. But this year, filing a tax form even if your income is not subject to income tax, may be quite beneficial.

The new economic stimulus package that was passed this month by Congress may qualify some low-income workers, recipients of Social Security and certain veterans and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries to receive some payment. These payments will range from $300 to $600 per person with at least $3,000 in qualifying income per year. This means that in order to qualify for a stimulus payment, the person must file a 2007 tax form, even if not done so in the recent past. The IRS has also reported that anyone who receives only Supplemental Security Income or SSI does not qualify as income for the stimulus package.

This stimulus package is so new that the best way to gather any information about whether you should file is found on the IRS Web site. However, many people may not be able to access this information from that medium. Many of my clients are computer savvy, but many more are not. So it is really important that if you have a family member in this situation, you may need to help them get the form filled out and mailed.

Many of my clients are low income and may be receiving other benefits like COPES, food stamps or other income-based governmental programs. The IRS has stated on their Web site that receiving the stimulus refund “does not negatively impact other income-based government benefits.” The IRS states it will be sending out two notices, one that explains the stimulus payment program and another one to confirm the recipient’s eligibility, the amount and timetable for sending the payment.

More information and news should be forthcoming in the next couple of months. But it is very important to verify if you or someone you care about are eligible for this stimulus payment. Tax-help clinics all over King County should also be able to help with this process. Most are located in Bellevue, the greater Eastside or Seattle. You can locate these sites by using the referenced phone numbers and Web sites that I have included in the “Helpful Resource” section at the end of this column.

Helpful Resources:

www.irs.gov

AARP — Tax-Aide Sites: 1-888-227-7669 or www.aarp.org.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites: 1-800-906-9887.

Betsy Zuber, Geriatric Specialist, has been working in the field of aging for 17 years. She provides social services to people 55+ and their families who live on Mercer Island. Please contact her at 275-7752, e-mail betsy.zuber@mercergov.org or mail MIYFS 2040 84th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, WA 98040. Mercer Island Youth & Family Services is a department of the City of Mercer Island.