Thousands in Springs still eligible for stimulus checks

Thousands of Colorado Springs residents could get $300 from Uncle Sam, and all they have to do is claim the money.

Most have low incomes and could be eligible to receive checks under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Congress and the president approved the act in February to boost the nation's sagging economy. People who filed income tax returns got the money automatically. Payments have been going out since May 9.

The IRS estimates 6,222 people in Colorado Springs are eligible for the payments but haven't received them because they haven't filed 2007 tax returns. Many people aren't required to file a tax return because their incomes are too low, but that's the only way to get an economic stimulus payment. Eligible people have until Oct. 15 to file a return.

The IRS estimate is based on the number of people whose income exceeds $3,000, and those who receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or veterans' benefits. Unclaimed payments in Colorado Springs add up to about $1.8 million.

"We suspect they are low-income seniors and disabled vets who haven't filed a tax return in many years or don't think they're eligible," said Kathy White of the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, a Denver-based think tank.

Rumors are circulating that people who don't owe taxes aren't eligible to get the payments, or that it's too late to file, White said, adding neither is true.

The IRS, the Fiscal Policy Institute and other organizations launched a campaign this week to alert the estimated 5.2 million people nationwide who could receive the payments but haven't filed 2007 tax returns. Part of the campaign involves a mailer sent to the homes of people who are probably eligible for the payments.

Military organizations are also alerting veterans, said Bud Sailar, director of the El Paso County Veteran and Military Affairs office.

"We've had a goodly number asking about it, and plus a lot of the military organizations like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), American Legion, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), all of them have been putting out the word to the people," Sailar said.

Help getting the stimulus check
The eligibility requirements for getting an economic stimulus payment include having at least $3,000 in income from earnings, Social Security benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, veterans disability benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits in 2007. Recipients must also have a valid Social Security number and must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.
The AARP Tax Assistance Coordinator will be at the Colorado Springs Senior Center, 514 N. Hancock Ave., 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday to help seniors file for stimulus checks. Make an appointment by calling 385-5933.