Extra step necessary for some seniors to receive checks

Tribune Staff Report

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By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Mar 5, 2008 at 7:29 AM EST

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2008 at 8:55 AM EST

Senior citizens who don’t normally file income tax returns will need to take an extra step to receive economic stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service.

That message was delivered this week by U. S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph. Upton was among the many in Congress who voted in support of the legislation aimed at boosting the economy.

On Monday, Upton met with senior citizens at three sites, emphasizing to those who normally don’t file tax returns that they’ll need to fill out 1040A forms to receive checks.

“I want to ensure that every senior who is eligible for a check from the IRS receives their money,” he said. “For those folks on a limited income and who normally don’t file a tax return, all they will need to do is follow a few simple steps in filling out the two-page 1040A IRS form.

“The process is easy, and a check of $300 will soon be on its way to provide an extra helping hand.”

Upton explained the procedure as follows:

  • Write the words “Stimulus Payment” across the top of a 1040A form.

  • On the 1040A form, fill out the label section with name, address and Social Security number.

  • In Box 14a, fill out actual or estimated Social Security income for 2007.

  • Seniors who want rebate checks directly deposited in their bank accounts need to fill out Lines 44 b, c and d.

  • Forms should be signed and mailed to the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO, 64999-0015.

    Although the deadline for filing isn’t until Oct. 15, Upton pointed out the IRS strongly recommends seniors file no later than April 15. Also, he warned seniors to be on the alert for scam artists who pose on the phone as IRS agents and attempt to obtain personal bank account information.

    “It is critical to keep in mind that no one from the IRS will be calling or e-mailing them for information,” he said. “The only way to receive your money is by filing the 1040A or other applicable tax form.”

    A virtual “Senior Help Center’’ on Upton’s Web site at www.house.gov/upton features a one-page “how-to” guide, a fraud alert and the 1040A form. Additional information may be obtained through the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or by contacting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at (800) 906-9887.

    Other inquiries can be made by calling Upton’s district offices at (269) 385-0039 in Kalamazoo or (269) 982-1986 in St. Joseph-Benton Harbor.

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