IRS To Help Taxpayers This Weekend

The Internal Revenue Service will open locations across the state on Saturday to help low-income residents including some retirees and veterans get the checks they are eligible for under the economic stimulus act passed by Congress in January.

The IRS will be at 18 locations on Saturday, including locations in Jay, Miami, Tulsa and Vinita.  Residents who do not normally file a tax return can come in and have one prepared for free.

Click here for a list of Oklahoma locations

The IRS said Monday that community and advocacy groups such as the AARP and United Way of America will also make special efforts on that day to ensure that people who don't ordinarily file tax returns don't miss out on the payment.

Under the stimulus act, people are eligible to receive at least $300, with married couples getting $1,200. Many households also can get an additional $300 for each qualifying child younger than 17.

People must file a tax return to receive the payment, raising concerns that those who don't usually need to file will be overlooked. The IRS said that this week it is also mailing out packages to 20.5 million people receiving Social Security and veteran's benefits with information on filing a return.

The IRS offices open on Saturday will offer assistance in preparing the Form 1040A needed for those filing a return solely to receive the stimulus payment. IRS field officers will also visit nursing homes and similar locations to prepare returns. To qualify, people must have at least $3,000 in earned income and certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

A list of national IRS offices and partner sites providing assistance is available on the IRS website, http://www.irs.gov., or by calling the IRS hotline, 1-800-906-9887.