Thousands Eligible for Unclaimed Economic Stimulus Payments

More than 5,000 people in Hamilton County are eligible for economic stimulus payments from the government, but haven't claimed their money.

The Eastgate Senior Activity Center is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to make sure that local retirees, disabled veterans and low-income workers get help filing for an economic stimulus payment.

Time is running out for nearly 92,000 Social Security and VA benefits recipients in Tennessee, including 5,165 in Hamilton Co., who appear to be eligible for a stimulus payment but have not yet filed a 2007 federal income tax return to claim their payment. They must file by Oct. 15 to get a payment this year.

The free return preparation will be offered for those who normally are not required to file but are filing this year only to claim a stimulus payment. The free help will be available Fri., Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastgate Sr. Activity Center, 5600 Brainerd Rd., in Chattanooga.

Filers who can't attend the Oct. 10 help session can get help filing a stimulus return at the Chattanooga IRS office at 5740 Uptain Rd. The office is open Monday -Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the Columbus Day federal holiday, the office will be closed Monday, Oct. 13.

Filers should bring: (1) Picture ID or other identity document, (2) verification of Social Security Number for all persons to be listed on the return, (3) Form 1099 or a benefits statement showing Social Security or VA benefits received in 2007 (or simply the amount received if no statement is available), (4) proof of any other income - taxable or nontaxable.

People who have already filed for a stimulus payment but have questions about it may come to this site to have those questions answered. They should bring a copy of the tax return they filed to get the payment.

To qualify for a stimulus payment, filers must have at least $3,000 in wages, tips or salary or other qualifying income, which can include Social Security benefits, VA benefits, Railroad Retirement or nontaxable combat pay.  SSI does not qualify.

People who normally do not have file a tax return may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) plus an additional $300 per eligible child under age 17.

Dependents and those who do not have a valid Social Security Number generally do not qualify for a stimulus payment.
The IRS reminds the public to watch out for stimulus payment scams. People who have already filed a 2007 federal return with the IRS do not need to file again. No one needs to complete or file any forms other than a 2007 federal income tax return to get a stimulus payment. Any e-mails, phone calls or letters that state otherwise are likely to be scams.