Media Center

Today, the Treasury Department began distributing Recovery Rebates to American families as a result of the Economic Stimulus package. The distribution of rebates was originally scheduled to begin on Friday, May 2, but was pushed up to speed the help for families facing economic crisis. Rebates will be issued according to the last two digits of the main filer’s Social Security number. A schedule of the rebate distribution and other information can be found at www.irs.gov. In Georgia, the Economic Stimulus package will provide an estimated $3.3 billion in total tax rebates to 3, 900,000 households.

The Economic Stimulus package includes rebate checks of up to $600 per individual and $1200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child. The final economic stimulus bill also provides for nearly 28 million senior households and 250,000 disabled veteran to receive rebates. Seniors and veterans – receiving at least $3000 in either social security or veteran’s disability benefits respectively – are eligible to file to receive the rebate. Seniors and veterans only filing to receive the recovery rebate did not have to file by April 15 and do not have to file for an extension. They will however need to file Form 1040A by October 15 to receive the payment in 2008.

“The demands being put on middle- and low-income families in this time of economic downturn is tremendous”, said Representative Scott. “Families are finding it difficult to afford basic items like groceries, as gas prices continue to soar and the unemployment rates rise. It was difficult to make these checks a reality, but we [Congress] are confident that this money is the first step towards strengthening our economy and will give some relief to families in need. We [Congress] realize that the strain on America’s economy demands immediate attention and in the upcoming months, we will continue to work feverishly to explore possible solutions to this crisis and develop a long-term recovery plan for our economy.

“In the meantime, I encourage consumers to help boost the economy and lower fuel costs by purchasing American-made goods and services and investing in energy-efficient products, like energy efficient light bulbs and Energy Star appliances”, said Scott. “Purchasing locally-made products will boost the local economy and help to narrow the growing trade deficit, while maximizing energy efficiency will save consumers money on energy bills, reduce overall costs of energy and stimulate the economy.”

Constituents should be aware of scam artists using the recovery rebates to try to steal taxpayer’s identities – calling unsuspecting taxpayers and posing as IRS agents. Imposters are saying that the rebate is being processed, but in order to complete it, they need a Social Security and bank account number. Constituents should be warned that the federal government does not call taxpayers requesting personal information. If constituents get calls like this, they should hang up and report such activity to the IRS at 1-800-366-4484.

Constituents of the 13th Congressional District should contact Congressman David Scott’s district office at 770-432-5405 with questions about the Economic Stimulus Package or distribution of rebate checks.
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