GettingAhead Association E-Newsletter
Check out the 4th Quarter 2008 issue of the e-newsletter for tips setting up direct deposit of paychecks and other payments, improving your credit score, keeping up with your checking account and more. For previous e-newsletter issues, please see the E-Newsletter Archive.
Make Sure You Get Your 2007 Stimulus Payment
Beginning in May, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin sending one-time economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households across America. Most people who are eligible for a stimulus payment will receive it automatically if they file a 2007 federal income tax return.
If you don’t usually have to file a federal tax return, but want to get your stimulus payment, you could qualify for it if you have at least $3,000 in income from any combination of earned income, Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and certain veterans’ or railroad retirement benefits. You should file Form 1040A or 1040 with the IRS to get your stimulus payment. Form 1040A is a short form, which makes filing quick and easy. Visit www.irs.gov for details.
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f you are only filing a return to receive your economic stimulus payment, Free File is a great option for you. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions provided by the software. It’s easy, and it’s free. Free File is located at www.irs.gov.
Be aware that identity thieves are already pushing scams involving the stimulus payments. At least one telephone scam is making the rounds using the proposed rebates as bait. The IRS is warning citizens of a new e-mail and telephone scam using the IRS name. To find out more go to www.irs.gov and click on “warning on identity theft scams.”
Home & Family Finance Radio Program Available
Credit unions can help bring the popular Home & Family Finance Radio consumer finance show to their local radio stations.
The free, ready-to-go, hour-long show, which airs Sundays at 3 p.m. ET on the Radio America Network, is available for nationwide broadcasting through local stations. The program is hosted by Washington, D.C., broadcaster Paul Berry and sponsored by America's Credit Unions. It offers consumers practical financial advice and features several spots explaining the credit union difference.
Click here for more information.