By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
April 9, 2008

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden urged a group of Hood River seniors on Friday to file a tax return so they would qualify for an economic stimulus check.

Walden said individuals wanting a rebate must file even if they have no little or no tax liability. He said a check of $300 awaits most seniors who submit a 1040A form for their 2007 income.

“We are putting money back into people’s pockets so they can use it where they need it the most. That is the best way to boost the economy and I don’t want you to miss out,” he said.

Walden’s comments were directed to about 50 residents of Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Community. Joining the federal official at the April 4 forum were two tax specialists from the Internal Revenue Service, Barbara Sowder and Kathy Howell.

“We really encourage you to get whatever help you need to get this filed,” said Sowder, manager of IRS operations for Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

In February, Congress approved issuance of one-time rebate checks to provide the slumping economy with a shot in the arm. Payments will equal the amount of tax liability on an individual’s tax return, with a maximum amount of $600 and a minimum of $300. Low-income workers, people with disabilities, and seniors with an income above $3,000 will also qualify for $300.

About $120 billion of the $170 billion stimulus package provides checks for low- to middle-class citizens. Another $50 billion grants businesses a tax break for investments in plants or equipment, an incentive to retain and create jobs.

Walden said seniors wanting to prepare their own returns should follow these steps:

• Write the words “Stimulus Payments” across the top of a 1040A form.

• Fill out the label section with a name, address and Social Security number.

• Check the appropriate box for filing status (single, married, etc.).

• List the actual or estimated Social Security income for 2007.

• To have the rebate directly deposited in a bank account, fill out lines 44 b, c and d.

“I’m really encouraging you to tell all of your friends about this,” said Walden.

He said anyone needing help should consult with trained volunteers to prepare a basic return at three sites in Hood River County.

Elderly, low-income, limited English proficiency and disabled individuals are provided with (walk-in) assistance at the Hood River Library, 502 State St., from 5-8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

Down Manor, 1950 Sterling Place, is open to walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. Help is also available for walk-ins at Parkdale Community Center, 7300 Clear Creek Road, from 5-8 p.m. on April 9.

Sowder said the local programs are set up to assist people until the April 15 filing deadline. She said help will still be available to seniors after that date at www.irs.gov or by calling (800) 906-9887. Returns can be submitted to the agency for an economic stimulus check until Oct. 15.

Walden warned Hawks Ridge residents that scam artists were using the rebate checks as another way to drain bank accounts. He said individuals posing as IRS agents have been calling or e-mailing citizens with requests for personal and financial information.

“The IRS will not call you for that information — they are not into telemarketing,” said Sowder.

After meeting with seniors in Hood River, Walden visited the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles. He also encouraged residents of that facility to file the necessary paperwork to obtain a rebate check.

Walden also stopped at Columbia Gorge Community College to update President Frank Toda and The Dalles Mayor Robb van Cleave on renewable energy efforts at the federal level. Walden co-chairs the House Northwest Energy Caucus and is vice chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus.

He has submitted requests to the Appropriations Committee for $1 million in federal funding that will be used by CGCC for Wind Energy Workforce Training. In addition, Walden asked for $1.8 million to help fund CGCC’s Renewal Energy Technology training program.