2008 Tax Update

03/28/2008

Important Information for Minnesotans this Tax Season


The April 15th tax deadline is less than three weeks away. As a member of Congress, I am determined to cut taxes for middle class families and ensure taxpayers have all the tips and tools they need when filing their tax returns.

The single most important issue this tax season is the economic stimulus rebate. In order to give our slumping economy a shot in the arm, Congress recently passed an economic stimulus package that will provide a tax rebate to more than 130 million Americans. But in order to receive a rebate check, you must file a 2007 tax return.

In an effort to ensure that everyone who is eligible receives their rebate, the IRS offices in Rochester and Mankato will be open this Saturday, March 29th between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. IRS employees will be on hand to answer questions about the economic stimulus rebate, as well as offering free assistance with filling out your return.

Rochester IRS Office
21 2nd Street SW
(507) 281-3044


Mankato IRS Office
1921 Excel Drive
(507) 625-4977




For individuals and couples who normally file taxes, you do not need to do anything differently this year. The IRS will calculate the appropriate amount and the US Treasury will send out your checks starting in May.

However, for millions of Americans who normally do not file a return, such as seniors living on social security benefits, individuals on social security disability income, or veterans who receive disability, pension or survivor compensation, you will need to file a tax return this year and report those benefits on Form 1040.

Stimulus payments could be up to $600 for single filers and $1,200 for joint filers. In addition, individuals may be eligible to receive $300 credit per dependent child.

In order to be eligible, you need to have a valid social security number, and have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. This includes traditional forms of income such as wages and tips, as well as many forms of social security and veterans' disability benefits, and certain railroad retirement payments.

Low- and moderate-income workers, including veterans, can get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Call 1-800-906-9887 for VITA sites in Southern Minnesota.

People age 60 and older can call 1-888-227-7669 for free tax help from the joint IRS - AARP Tax-Aide program.

In today's weak economy, middle class families in Minnesota are struggling just to make ends meet. In this critical time, I will continue to do everything I can to cut taxes for the middle-class and ensure families get the tax credits and benefits they have earned when filing their tax returns this April.

If you have any questions, you can call my Mankato office toll-free at 1-877-TIM-WALZ.

Rochester Office
1134 7th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 206 - 0643 Mankato Office

227 E Main St #220
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 388 - 2149