Seniors, Persons With Disabilities, Veterans And Low-income Tax Payers At Risk Of Missing Out On Economic Stimulus Rebates
State Treasurer Spreads Word To Ensure Maximum Benefits Reach Delawareans In Need
State Treasurer Jack Markell joined with Becky Laster, Care Coordinator, Delaware Aging Network; Connie Hughes, Executive Director of Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; Sue Getman, Executive Director of the Wilmington Senior Center; and Mary Dupont, Executive Director of Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation at the Wilmington Senior Center to inform Delaware seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans and very low income tax-payers, that they must file a 2007 federal tax return in order to receive the rebate check as part of the economic stimulus package.
"It's critically important that Delawareans hear our message today: in order to receive a rebate check as part of the economic stimulus package, you must file a federal tax return," Mr. Markell said. "During my decade as state treasurer, my number one priority has been improving Delawareans' financial literacy and helping individuals take control of their finances. This expansion of our Earned Income Credit Campaign will make a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of Delawareans who can benefit from the stimulus package."
The Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation, coordinator of the EITC campaign operates 22 free tax preparation locations where they also assist taxpayers with access to other financial services. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) benefits families who earn less than $39,000 per year. The tax refund can be up to $4,700 per year, depending on family size and income.
"We are concerned that the members of our community who could benefit the most from the rebate check will miss out because the IRS has no record of them for 2007," Mary Dupont, Executive Director of Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation said. "Our goal is to make sure that their name is on the list when the checks are being written in Washington. Our tax prep sites are prepared and happy to assist."
Becky Laster, Care Coordinator of the Delaware Aging Network said, "For seniors living on a fixed income it is very important that they know and understand that even if they only receive social security, they still need to file a federal return in order to receive their rebate."
"We are here today because people with disabilities receiving social security benefits do quality," Connie Hughes, Executive Director of Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities added. "We are going to ensure that our members are aware of this and get the word out to the people they serve."
"The Wilmington Senior Center is proud to host this event to get the word out to Delaware seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities and low-income tax payers," Sue Getman, Executive Director of the Wilmington Senior Center. "When we first heard about the economic stimulus package in the news it sounded like the rebate checks were for everyone. We need to work together to make sure that everyone receives theirs."
Delawareans can make arrangements for free tax prep through either the Delaware AARP by calling 1-888-AARPNOW or the Delaware EITC Campaign at the below sites.
Sussex County:Kent County:
- Georgetown - First State Community Action Agency, Central Sussex Building, 211 North Race Street, Saturday 9am - 3pm (Se habla Espanol)
- Georgetown Public Library, 10 West Pine Street, Monday 11am - 2pm
- Georgetown - DelTech Community College, Owens Campus, Student Services Center, (staff dining hall / Big Flag), Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 5 - 9pm
- Laurel - St. Phillips Episcopal Church, South Central Avenue, Monday 6 - 9pm & Saturday 9am - 1pm
- Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Avenue, Thursday 1 - 4pm
- Seaford Public Library, 402 North Porter Street, Friday 10am - 1pm
New Castle County:
- Dover - Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Ave (RT 8), Tuesday & Thursday 5 - 9pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm
- Dover - Wilmington University, Rt 13 at Scarborough Rd, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10am - 2pm
- Milford - Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave, Tuesday & Thursday 6 - 9pm
- Smyrna - Christiana Health & Wellness Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 201 North Main Street, Monday & Thursday 4 - 7pm
- Mobile Tax Van, sponsored by First State Community Action Agency with locations in Kent and Sussex Counties, evening and weekend hours. For details visit: www.firststatecca.org.
Wilmington
- Claymont - Claymont Community Center, 3301 Green Street, Tuesday & Thursday 6 - 9pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm
- Elsmere - Elsmere Town Hall, 11 Poplar Ave, Monday & Wednesday 6 - 9pm (closed first Wednesday of the month)
- Middletown - Appoquinimink Library, 651 North Broad Street, Saturday 11am - 3pm
- New Castle - Rosehill Community Center, 191 Lambson Lane, Monday & Wednesday, 6 - 9pm
- Newark - Boys & Girls Club of Greater Newark, 1 Positive Place, Rt 40, Monday 6 - 9pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm
- Newark - Newark Library, 750 Library Ave, (East Main Street entrance), Thursday & Saturday 10am - 2pm
- Newark - New Ark United Church of Christ, 300 East Main Street (across from Newark Library), Monday & Thursday 6 - 9pm
- Newark - Bear Library, 101 Governor's Pl (Rt 40), Wednesday 5 - 8pm
- Wilmington - West End Neighborhood House, 8th & Scott Streets (Child Development Center), Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6 - 9pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm
- Wilmington - Ezion Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, 8th & Walnut Streets, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9am - 1pm & Saturday 9am - 4pm (appointments also available)
- Wilmington - Shiloh Baptist Church, 23rd & Washington Streets, Monday, Thursday 6 - 9pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm
- Wilmington - JobCorps Center, 9 Vandever St., (near the corner of Market), Tuesday & Wednesday 6 - 9pm
For a complete listing of all free tax site times site times and dates of operation, and for more information, please call the Delaware Helpline at 800/464-4357.
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