Travis Credit Union can assist you under the VITA program, you can hire a tax preparation service, or complete a tax return yourself, even if you do not usually file one.

General filing instructions
For eligible individuals (or married couples filing jointly) who are not required to file an income tax return, but who had qualifying income in 2007 that equals or exceeds $3,000, the IRS will treat a Form 1040A for 2007 as a valid claim for refund in the amount of the 2008 economic stimulus payment.

For complete information about the Economic Stimulus Rebate program
click here to visit the IRS official web site.

We’ve included the instructions below for your reference only – your actual responses may vary.

• Write the words “Stimulus Payment” in the blank space at the top of page 1 of Form 1040A above the title of the form.
   
• Enter names, mailing address, and social security numbers on the appropriate lines of Form 1040A and enter filing status and exemption information on lines 1 through 6d of the form.
  Enter wages and other compensation (including net earnings from self-employment) received in 2007 on line 7 of Form 1040A.
   
• Enter qualifying income received in 2007 in the form of social security benefits, Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and certain veterans’ disability or survivor benefits on line 14a of Form 1040A. Individuals who do not have documentation of the exact amount of these government-provided benefits may estimate their annual benefit by multiplying their monthly benefit, before any deductions for withheld taxes or Medicare premiums, by the number of months during 2007 that they received the benefit.
   
• If they are members of the U.S. Armed Forces, enter any nontaxable combat zone compensation received in 2007 that they elect to treat as earned income on line 40b of Form 1040A.
   
• Complete lines 44b through 44d of Form 1040A if they want to request direct deposit of their economic stimulus payment into their account at a bank or other financial institution.
   
• Sign and date the form under the penalties of perjury statement, and enter the identifying information of any third party designee or paid preparer, if applicable, at the bottom of page 2 of Form 1040A.

IRS Scams
The IRS recently issued a warning about identity theft schemes using the agency's name.
If you receive an unsolicited call or e-mail from the Internal Revenue Service, watch out -- you're not talking to Uncle Sam.

Since 2006, the Internet Crime Complaint Center has received more than 200 complaints about phishing schemes using the bureau as bait. This year scammers are using new twists on old tricks, including personalized e-mail salutations, live phone calls and the promise of tax rebates, to dupe consumers into divulging sensitive information.

Avoid Scams – Some Common Sense ‘Don’ts’

• Don't click on links or open attachments from unsolicited e-mails from the IRS.
   
• Don't give out any personal information to anyone calling on behalf of the IRS.
   
• Don't divulge any personal information in an online form to claim a tax refund