Free File Now Available For Economic Stimulus Payment Claims, Says IRS

by Mike Godfrey, for LawAndTax-News.com, Washington

07 March 2008

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on Thursday that individuals who normally do not file a tax return but must do so this year in order to receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment can now use the IRS Free File program to help them file returns for 2007.

The IRS and several of its partners in the Free File Alliance can now accept returns submitted by people who have no legal requirement to file other than to receive their payments. However, the IRS has warned that people in this category should take care to use only those companies listed.

“If you are only filing a return to receive your economic stimulus payment, Free File is a great option for you. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions provided by the software. It’s easy, and it’s free,” announced Acting IRS Commissioner Linda E. Stiff.

The minimum economic stimulus payment is USD300 for individuals and USD600 for married couples.

To obtain a payment, all people who are eligible for payments of up to USD600 for individuals (USD1,200 for married couples) must file a tax return in order for the IRS to know their name, address and eligibility. Parents also may qualify for a USD300 payment for each eligible child younger than 17. Valid Social Security numbers are required.

The IRS will begin issuing payments starting in May.

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