Delaware State News
DOVER — It might be hard to believe, but there are nearly 18,000 Delawareans who could have $300-$600 checks with their names on them, waiting to be claimed.
And if they want to still receive those checks, they need to act soon.
Economic-stimulus checks have been going out to residents for months, but the Internal Revenue Service estimates that as many as 18,000 have not claimed them, agency spokesman Gregg Semanick said.
"There are about 58,200 disabled veterans and retirees who may be eligible (for a stimulus check) but they normally don’t file a tax return," Mr. Semanick said. "As of mid-June, about 40,200 did file.
"These are generally taxpayers who do not meet the tax income requirement to file a tax return, so, they usually don’t."
But to receive the stimulus check, they must file a return. And although 69 percent of those veterans and seniors have received a check, the federal government wants it to be as close to 100 percent as possible.
That’s where Rep. Michael N. Castle, R-Del., comes in.
The congressman has been holding workshops throughout the state raising awareness about how residents can claim their checks. Residents could use the additional money, he noted, and the purpose of the checks is to help boost the sluggish economy.
"We’re trying to go around the state to senior centers and veterans groups to stress that they need to do this," Rep. Castle said.
"These are people who need it the most, many of whom are on fixed incomes … The idea is that these are people who would be able to utilize the money a lot quicker than most of us and put it back into the economy."
Rep. Castle will hold a workshop at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the CHEER Community Center in Georgetown.
Rep. Castle’s office also is trying to set up a workshop in Dover in the coming weeks.
Seniors should bring copies of their 2007 forms — W2, SSA-1009, RRB-1099 — and any statements (monthly or annual) that would assist in estimating their annual benefits.
Mr. Semanick said the IRS is sending special packets to those who haven’t filed a tax return but could be eligible to receive a stimulus check — the second time the agency has sent the information packets.
"We’re trying to make it as simple as possible because people might not have done a tax return for a while," he said.
To qualify for a stimulus check, a person must have earned at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which might not necessarily be taxable income, such as Social Security, veterans benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Mr. Semanick said residents can visit http://www.irs.gov to download a form or call (800) TAX-FORM (829-3676).
Residents have until Oct. 15 to file a tax return.
