Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Eligible recipients of the Economic Stimulus Payment must show a minimum of $3,000 in income on a 2007 Federal Income Tax return. Congress specified that Social Security benefits and/or certain Veterans benefits could be considered income. Individuals in this group typically do not file a return because their income is below the required filing level.

Response:
Calls made to the IRS to obtain assistance for filing a “Stimulus Payment” 1040A return were referred to the VITA programs located in Corning and Corydon, Iowa. Individual clients who had received help with other financial matters called Extension offices to ask for assistance from the Resource Management field specialist, Joyce Lash. The need for assistance was discussed by the Volunteer Coordinator of Lucas County Health Center at a meeting of the Horizons Steering Committee in Chariton.

A tax assistance day was arranged with Lucas County Health Center. The Chariton Chamber of Commerce and Lucas County Health Center provided media support. Tax assistance meetings were arranged for residents of Heritage Park located in Mount Ayr and Summit House in Creston. Staff at those facilities contacted residents of the retirement communities and arranged appointments. The Leon Library and Community Services provided media support for two tax assistance days in Leon at the Community Services building.

Impact:
Thank you so much for making last Tuesday such a great success”, stated Linda Baynes the Volunteer Coordinator of Lucas County Health Center. “I heard nothing but great things from everyone.” Thirty seven individuals came to the hospital for help. A client stated, “I just wasn’t sure how to complete the form, it’s hard for me to read and write. Thank you for helping.”

Tax assistance days have resulted in a total of fifty-five stimulus payment 1040A returns completed at no cost for individuals who normally do not have to file a return. Two returns were completed for individuals who were eligible for a tax refund and one individual was found who could receive an earned income tax credit refund. These returns were completed at VITA centers. Tax and financial record keeping questions were answered. Volunteers at the Lucas County Health Center received training in how to interview individuals to determine if they could complete a “Stimulus Payment 1040A” form or would need to arrange an appointment at a VITA center. Clarification was made on what Social Security payments were eligible and how long individuals would be able to summit a “Stimulus Payment” return.

Additional Team Members/Community Partners:
Linda Baynes Volunteer Coordinator Lucas County Health Center lbaynes@lchcia.com Sue Carson Summit House Creston 641-782-1621

Contact:
Joyce Lash
Ringgold County Extension
101 North Polk
Mount Ayr, IA 50854
641-464-3333
lash@iastate.edu