Checks and tickets spark the public’s interest

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: February 20, 2008

In my time covering politics in Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia, it is rare that I have seen the public overly interested in something our politicians have done.

As an example, when then Gov. Mark Warner raised taxes (or fees) as a part of his plan to salvage Virginia’s fiscal house, I wondered if the there would be a public outcry. Not only did the public not complain, they praised Warner whose popularity skyrocketed.

When Roanoke City Mayor Nelson Harris changed his position multiple times on what to do with Victory Stadium, I wondered if the voters would be upset and find a way to voice their feelings. So far that hasn’t happened and as of today Mayor Harris is running unopposed for a second term.

But two recent issues have sparked immense interest in the public. The first were the abusive driving fees enacted by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Kaine last year. It took a while for everyone to figure out what exactly these fees were and how they would work. But, once they did, the outcry was immediate and overwhelming.

And more recently, interest in the federal government’s economic stimulus plan has sparked some intense interest and confusion. We have been inundated with questions and who qualifies for a tax rebate, who much they’ll get, and what you have to do to get the check. As with most things related to the IRS, it’s not an overly easy explanation. But, I have done as much checking as possible on this topic to answer as many of your questions and concerns as possible. Below is the story I put together with those answers. I hope it helps. Oh, and by the way, it is refreshing seeing the public get involved in these debates. Maybe it is a sign of things to come?

Here’s the story:

Many people have called and e-mailed WSLS with concerns about the tax rebates that are part of the Economic Stimulus Plan. They have wondered if they would be covered and how they can get their check. A lot of those questions centered on Social Security recipients who are on disability.

One viewer wrote in saying in part, “What about the people who are on disability but not seniors?”

By far, this seems to be the biggest question we’ve gotten from people. Seniors, veterans, and those on Social Security disability will get $300 rebate so long as their benefits equal or exceed $3000.

Another person called in asking about Supplemental Security Income or SSI. I found out that group is in a different category. The income from SSI does not qualify for a rebate. That means for SSI recipients to get a rebate, they have to have income equaling or exceeding $3,000 from another source.

Last month we introduced to a group of seniors at the Edinburgh Square in Roanoke. They were worried they’d be left out of the rebates altogether. That didn’t happen, but I have heard back from them. They are now concerned they’re not filling out the right form to get the rebate. Here’s the deal: in order for ANYONE to get a check you have to file taxes for 2007, even if you don’t have to pay anything. And for those that don’t pay anything including Social Security recipients, they will need to fill out form 1040A. You can find a sample of that form on the IRS website and explanations about how to fill it out. Be sure to write “STIMULUS PAYMENT” at the top of the form.

Finally, the IRS website is loaded with helpful information on this topic. Managers at the IRS tell me they are updating it all the time and will soon add a rebate calculator so you can figure out how much you’re getting back.