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GUEST ARTICLE |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Chelsa Wagner |
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Federal stimulus payments and tax returns
By state Rep. Chelsa Wagner, D-Allegheny
Many people in our community and across Pennsylvania are feeling the effects of a slowing national economy. However, the federal government soon will be distributing economic stimulus payments to help ease some of that financial stress.
Economic stimulus payments from the federal government will be sent to more than 130 million households starting in May. The Internal Revenue Service will automatically determine if you're eligible based on your 2007 federal tax return, and will direct deposit your payment if you select that option when filing your return.
Eligible individuals will receive payments from $300 to $600, and joint filers will receive payments between $600 and $1,200, depending on how much they owe in tax liability. Even if you don't owe anything, you still might qualify for a minimum $300 payment.
It's important to note that all senior citizens must file a 2007 federal tax return to receive a stimulus payment. For more information on the stimulus payments, visit www.IRS.gov or contact my office at 412-343-2094.
For copies of state and federal income tax forms, or if you need help with anything related to state government, call or stop by one of my constituent service offices. My offices are not equipped to help you complete your income tax forms, but you can call the United Way HelpLine at 412-255-1155 to find the nearest free tax-preparation assistance site.
My local offices are located at 900 Brookline Blvd., phone 412-343-2094; and in the Caste Village Shoppes, Suite M112, 5301 Grove Road (between Frank’s Shoes and the mall entrance), phone 412-881-1005. My Brookline office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Caste Village location is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1p.m.
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