Thousands of Hawaii residents who do not ordinarily file tax returns will qualify for an economic stimulus rebate payment this year if they complete and file the necessary paperwork with the IRS.  IRS records show that 24,463 Social Security or Veterans benefits recipients (35%) had yet to file to receive their stimulus checks as of June.  Those eligible include many disabled veterans, as well as seniors living primarily off their Social Security benefits.  Payments to these individuals are $300, while married couples can be eligible for $600. 

Call for information about free tax preparation assistance at

                AARP Information Office on Oahu at 808-843-1906;

            Aloha United Way at 877-275-6569

            or AUW Hotline at 211 (24/7-toll free)

The following information may help determine eligibility: 

• Individuals have until October 15 to file for and claim their stimulus payment.  Those who owe no tax will not be penalized for filing after April 15.
• The stimulus payment should not affect an individual's eligibility for any other federal benefits, such as Medicaid or food stamps.
• Individuals with at least $3000 of qualifying income will qualify for the stimulus rebate even if they owe no tax.  This income can include any combination of wages, social security benefits and disabled veterans benefits.
• Individuals who owe at least $1 in tax may also qualify for the rebate, including those who receive private or public pension income.

The IRS is holding free tax preparation assistance on Oahu:

September 19, 20, 21   

Oahu Seniors Fair at Neal Blaisdell Center

777 Ward Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96814

Help is also available at Hawaii ESP Tax Return Preparation Sites.  Call to set up an appointment or find out when the site will be open.

Site	County	Close Date	Appt	Phone	Languages	EFile
ALU LIKE - Central Alu Like, Inc. 458 Keawe Street Honolulu   HI   96813	Honolulu	10/15/08	Yes	(808) 535-6700	Languages- English	Yes
ALU LIKE - Kauai Island Center Alu Like - Kauai Island Center 2970 Haleko Road Suite 205 Lihue   HI   96766	Kauai	10/15/08	Yes	(808) 245-8545	Languages- English	Yes
Legal Aid Society Of Hawaii 924 Bethel St Honolulu   HI   96813	Honolulu	12/31/08	Yes	(808) 527-8050	Languages- English	Yes
MEO INC -VITA 99 Mahalani Street Wailuku   HI   96793	Maui	10/15/08	Yes	(808) 249-2990	Languages- English, Spanish	Yes

Senator Akaka said: "I encourage all seniors and veterans and others who don't normally file a tax return to file now and get your money.  You just need to file a simple tax return and the IRS will send you the check.  Veterans centers, senior homes, family members and support groups such as the AARP can help you file.  For those of you caring for our kupuna, please reach out to them and encourage them to file.  In these hard economic times, several hundred dollars will make a big difference to those in our community living on fixed incomes.  It's not too late, the deadline is October 15.  After that, the money will be gone forever, so now is the time to file."

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