LANSING – State Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) announced today that, according to data compiled by the Michigan League of Human Services, 1,411 Lenawee County residents who are eligible to receive an economic stimulus check have not filed a tax return for 2007. Lenawee County is among the top 20 counties statewide in the total number of eligible residents who have not yet claimed their stimulus checks. The group includes disabled veterans, other persons with disabilities and low-income seniors who otherwise would not have to file a tax return. To receive the $300 stimulus payment ($600 for a married couple) a tax return is required. The deadline for filing has been extended to October 15, 2008.
"The federal government is holding nearly a half a million dollars or more in stimulus checks that the citizens of Lenawee County have coming to them," Representative Spade said. "To receive a stimulus check, you must a file a tax return, even if you would otherwise not be required to file. The deadline for filing is October 15, 2008. I am making my office available as a resource to people who have questions. If you think you might be eligible or are not sure, please call my office at 517-373-1706 or email us at dspade@house.mi.gov."
More than 150,000 eligible households in Michigan have yet to file their federal tax returns to cash in on the economic stimulus payments. A new report from the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities is encouraging those who have yet to file to do as soon as possible. In Michigan, the unclaimed payments total $46.4 million, according to the IRS. The IRS has planned to send one or more notices to those who have not yet filed.
"People who do not have to file a tax return during normal times may not understand that they still need to do this to get the economic stimulus payment," said Sharon Parks, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Human Services. "This is money that is due to them, and it is important that vulnerable households take advantage of this opportunity."