Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, along with representatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the AARP, held a press conference Wednesday

While Floridians already filing a 2007 tax return do not need to take any additional steps to receive their federal economic stimulus payments, the IRS estimates this special filing requirement affects approximately 1.5 million Floridians receiving Social Security, certain Veterans’ and Railroad Retirement benefits, and low-income workers.  

“It is my goal to reach the 1.5 million seniors, veterans and low-income Floridians who do not normally file tax returns but who may be eligible for the federal government’s economic stimulus money this year,” said CFO Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services.  “I encourage all Floridians to help their parents, grandparents, family, friends and neighbors receive the tax rebates they deserve.”

Additionally, CFO Sink announced free tax filing services from the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program available to these low-income residents, seniors and veterans.  With the free tax services available at more than 30 sites statewide Friday or Saturday, the IRS has made it easier for Floridians who qualify to file tax returns to receive their stimulus payments.  

“The IRS and local partners are making it as simple as possible for people who need to file a return for the first time or for those who haven't had to file for a long time,” said Gloria Sutton, Media Relations Specialist for the IRS.  “Free tax assistance will be available on Super Saturday (3/29) for Social Security and VA recipients.”

“As their food, fuel, housing and medical costs continue to rise, older Floridians face rising economic pressures.  This economic stimulus payment will be very welcome for hundreds of thousands of AARP members and other Florida seniors,” said Lori Parham, AARP’s state director for Florida.  “We are pleased to work with CFO Sink and the IRS to help Florida’s seniors understand how to file and receive this benefit.”   

Special guidelines exist for these recipients, who must have qualifying income of at least $3,000, to be eligible for up to $300 on a single return or up to $600 on a joint return.  Qualifying income includes: Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment.  For taxpayers filing joint tax returns, only a total of $3,000 of qualifying income from both spouses is required to be eligible for a payment.

For additional information on the special guidelines, please see IRS Fact Sheet FS 2008-16 Stimulus Payments: Instructions for Low-Income Workers and Recipients of Social Security and Certain Veterans’ Benefits, available online at www.irs.gov.  The IRS’ free tax filing locations are listed following this release, and consumers with questions may contact the IRS’ rebate helpline toll-free at 1-800-906-9887.  The AARP is also providing tax counseling services to Floridians throughout the tax season; consumers can visit the Web site at www.aarp.org.  Floridians living in certain counties, including: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and West Palm Beach, can also dial 211 to request free tax assistance.

As a statewide elected officer of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink oversees the Department of Financial Services, a multi-division state agency responsible for management of state funds and unclaimed property, assisting consumers who request information and help related to financial services, and investigating financial fraud. CFO Sink also serves as the State Fire Marshal.