Menino urges residents to claim stimulus check
Mayor Thomas M. Menino today urged Boston residents to file a tax return in order to claim their federal stimulus payment.
A recent Globe story noted that more than 150,000 Massachusetts residents, mostly low-income retirees and disabled veterans, have yet to file paperwork to receive federal economic stimulus checks that can be worth as much as $600, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Menino reminded residents that they have until October 15 to file their tax return and claim their stimulus payment.
“Residents should not pass up the opportunity to claim their federal stimulus payment,” Menino said in a statement. “In these tight times, this money could certainly help out many of our families. I urge you to contact our free tax prep sites, which are still open and available to assist those who have yet to claim their payment.”
A press release from the mayor's office noted that Menino kicked off the tax season in February with the opening of 24 free tax prep sites through the help of the Boston Earned Income Tax Credit coalition, a collaboration of government agencies, foundations, community-based nonprofit organizations, and the business community.
Under the federal economic stimulus program, anyone who filed a 2007 federal tax return was automatically considered for a rebate, but many low-wage workers and recipients of Social Security and veterans benefits did not submit tax returns because their incomes were not high enough to require it or their benefits are not normally taxable, the Aug. 18 Globe story said.
Neighborhoods that have had a disproportionate amount of individuals who have not received their stimulus payment check include Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan, Menino's office said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)
