File Your Tax Returns First, Then Look for the Stimulus Check

Free help with federal income taxes available at locations across Michigan

WASHINGTON – Looking forward to your tax rebate check? You need to file your 2007 federal tax return first. The office of Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich., has compiled a county-by-county listing of locations across Michigan [PDF] where seniors and low to moderate income wage earners can receive free help filling out their 2007 federal income tax returns.

Even those who are not required to file a tax return, such as some low income Social Security beneficiaries, must file a 2007 federal tax return in order to receive a stimulus payment. The Internal Revenue Service will begin sending out the checks in May.

“As I travelled around Michigan last week, I received many questions about the tax rebates,” Levin said. “I want to make sure that Michiganders know that they have to file a 2007 tax return before they can receive their stimulus payment. The IRS offers free help for seniors and lower income folks at tax clinics, and my office has formatted a county-by-county list of the 373 clinics across Michigan. I encourage everyone to share this information with their family and friends, especially those who might not normally be required to file a 2007 tax return.”

The IRS sponsors two free tax preparation programs for qualifying individuals. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people with low to moderate incomes, generally, $40,000 and below, who need assistance preparing their tax returns. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax help to individuals age 60 and older.

These services are free and performed by volunteers who have been certified by the IRS. The locations and dates of operation for the centers are subject to change. Individuals can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for the most up-to-date information. Most of the tax clinics require an appointment, but walk-ins are accepted at the centers where noted. Some tax clinics also offer Spanish and American Sign Language services.

For more information about the free tax return preparation programs and the documents to bring to an appointment, or to get information about a clinic in another state, visit the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html.

Individuals already filing a tax return do not need to file a separate form to receive their economic stimulus payment. The IRS will calculate the amount owed to each person and deliver the payments separately from regular 2007 tax refunds. If an eligible individual requests that his or her 2007 tax refund be deposited directly into a bank account, the stimulus payment will also be deposited in that same account. Otherwise, the IRS will send the rebate check by mail. More information can be found at the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html.

View the county-by-county list of IRS-sponsored tax clinics in Michigan. [PDF]