175,000 N.C. residents have not claimed stimulus checks

More than 175,000 low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities in North Carolina have yet to claim their economic stimulus payments from the federal government.

Posted 2:33 p.m. Aug 7, 2008 — Updated 2:33 p.m. Aug 7, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — More than 175,000 low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities in North Carolina have yet to claim their economic stimulus payments from the federal government.

That's according to the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center, AARP North Carolina and EITC-Carolinas.

Residents have until Oct. 15 to file a tax return in order to receive a stimulus payment.

The legislation passed by Congress earlier in the year made the economic stimulus payment – worth a minimum of $300 per person – available to people who normally have incomes too low to file tax returns.

This group includes low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who are either Social Security or Veteran’s Administration beneficiaries.

To receive the payment, individuals must file a 2007 tax return using IRS form 1040A. In North Carolina, there are several ways people can get help with filing so they can claim the economic stimulus payment:

10 local IRS offices across the state will provide free walk-in help. However, it is best to call ahead for an appointment. Individuals can access IRS assistance by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by clicking here
AARP and the National Council on Aging have developed online tools (www.AARP.org/stimulus or www.benefitscheckup.org) that provide a simple way to fill out the required form and information about where to send it.

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