Assistance for Seniors for Tax Rebate

The Burlington County Office on Aging is assisting seniors complete the income tax form 1040 required to be filed by October 15 to obtain the new stimulus rebate.

“We have copies of the required form and will help seniors complete them in the office, or even make a home visit if necessary, to assure that eligible Burlington County seniors don’t miss the deadline and not receive their tax rebate,” said Freeholder Director Aubrey A. Fenton who oversees the Office on Aging.

More than 5,000 Burlington County residents have not yet applied for the rebate, according to the NJ Department of Public Advocate. The federal Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 was signed into law to provide tax relief, but many Social Security recipients, certain veteran and railroad retirement recipients who are not normally required to file tax returns must file a tax return for 2007 to obtain the new stimulus rebate.

The law allows Social Security, railroad retirement benefits, and veterans’ disability compensation and pension or survivors’ benefits received from Department of Veterans Affairs to count as qualifying income for the $3,000 minimum requirement. The typical rebate ranges from $300-$600 for individuals and $600-$1,200 for couples.

Single filers who have qualifying income of more than $3,000, but paid no taxes, are eligible for $300. Single filers who have qualified income of more than $3,000, and paid taxes, are entitled to $600. The phase-out level for singles starts at $75,000 and ends at $87,000 with a 5% reduction per $1,000 starting at the lower amount.

Couples who have qualifying income of more that $3,000, and paid no taxes, may get $600. Couples who have qualifying income of more than $3,000, and paid taxes, may get $1,200. For couples, the phase-out level begins at $150,000 and ends at $174,000, also with a 5% reduction per $1,000. An additional $300 will be allowed for each qualifying child

The stimulus payments will not be taxable next year and will not affect the amount of Social Security benefits received. For more information, call the Office on Aging at (609) 265-5069. The office is located in Westampton on the first floor of the Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: Press Release--Burlington County