THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF OHIO CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE WILSON.

In conjunction with the IRS' recent launch to reach retirees and disabled veterans who have yet to file for their Economic Stimulus payment, Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) this week sent 82,000 emails out to Ohio's Sixth Congressional District.

The Economic Stimulus payments are the tax rebates that Congress enacted to help rebuild our economy. The only action required to obtain the money is to file a tax return.

Most Americans have filed their tax returns, but the IRS estimates that 226,643 Ohioans had not yet filed. That means, in Ohio approximately 27% of eligible seniors and disabled veterans still have to file to get their money. The national average is 26%.

"In my Congressional district that's about 15,000 seniors and disabled vets who still need to file," Wilson said. "That’s money that some of our most vulnerable citizens are leaving on the table."

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, like many of our seniors or disabled veterans, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus $300 for any qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

Many retirees and veterans do not normally file a tax return because their benefits are not taxable. But, this year, they must file in order to receive an economic stimulus payment. Even though the regular annual deadline to file taxes has passed, these individuals have until October 15 to file a tax return to receive their economic stimulus payments.

Some retirees may be reluctant to file a tax return. "Some have told me that they fear that the stimulus payment may interfere with other government benefits they might be receiving," Wilson said.

The IRS stressed that receiving a stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Simply filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that retirees will have to start filing tax returns again.

Later this summer, the IRS will send retirees and veterans' beneficiaries a special letter that explains 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.

People not otherwise required to file an income tax return should file Form 1040A with basic information to ensure they receive their economic stimulus payment. This information includes name; address; dependents, if any; amount of qualifying income (which must be $3,000 or more); direct deposit information and signatures. Forms 1040A and instructions are available at www.irs.gov.

The types of Social Security benefits that are considered qualifying income include retirement, disability and survivor payments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not qualifying income. The types of Veterans Affairs benefits that are considered qualifying income include disability compensation, disability pension and survivor payments. Qualifying Railroad Retirement payments include the social security equivalent portion of Tier 1 benefits.

"We must help the remaining retirees and disabled veterans get their payments. It is money that they’re entitled to," Wilson said. "If you are a retiree or a disabled veteran who hasn’t filed yet, I encourage you to do so. If you know of a retiree or a disabled veteran who might qualify, please pass along the information to them."

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There could be more than 15,000 people in the counties that make up Ohio's 6th Congressional District who have not filed for their Economic Stimulus Package Tax Rebates.

Estimated Numbers by County

Scioto: 2,342

Lawrence: 1,646

Gallia: 993

Meigs: 591

Athens: 1,170

Washington: 1,409

Monroe: 249

Noble: 239

Belmont: 1,622

Jefferson: 1,880

Columbiana: 1,648

Mahoning: 6,180

(source: IRS)