Mesa residents still leaving economic stimulus payments on the table

Approximately 9,000 Mesa residents who qualify for the economic stimulus payment have not filed a tax return to claim it. They are among 5.2 million potential recipients, mainly retirees and disabled veterans, estimated by the Internal Revenue Service who have not taken the steps to receive the payment.

People who receive certain benefits from Social Security and Veterans Affairs are normally not required to file a tax return. However, these individuals must file a return before October 15 this year to receive their economic stimulus payment. Later this summer, the IRS will be sending a special letter to potential recipients explaining the stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can complete and mail to the IRS. This will be the second special mailing to reach those individuals.

Eligible taxpayers will receive economic stimulus payments between $300 to $600 if single or $600 to $1200 if married filing jointly. The payments will not be taxable next year nor will they affect the amount of Social Security or VA benefits received.

For more information, contact Mesa Human Services Programs Coordinator Lisa Wilson at 480-644-5831 or visit www.irs.gov.