
HOME	NEWS	EVENTS	TAKE ACTION	JOIN VOICES	PARTNER NEWS & EVENTS

Home > News > Benefit Bank Assists Ohioans in Claiming Economic Stimulus Payment Through October 15

Benefit Bank Assists Ohioans in Claiming Economic Stimulus Payment Through October 15

Governor Ted Strickland announced that the Ohio Benefit Bank is offering an online service that could help at least 640,000 eligible senior, veteran and disabled Ohioans claim an economic stimulus tax rebate through October 15, without having to file for an extension.

The service is available to individuals who typically are not required to file annual federal income tax returns because they receive non-taxable income such as Social Security.

“I encourage Ohioans to reach out to friends and community members who would not otherwise be required to file their 2007 federal income tax returns – they are still eligible to receive a $300 rebate from the federal government if they file returns before October 15,” Strickland said. “Through the Benefit Bank, these individuals can claim their payment through a 10-minute, easy-to-use online service.”

Only those Ohioans who did not file their 2007 federal income tax returns can benefit from the Benefit Bank’s tax rebate service. Anyone who has already filed a federal tax return, including those who were not required to, will receive the stimulus payment automatically if they are eligible.

The economic stimulus filing program is available at www.OBB.Ohio.Gov, at the link for the free tax preparation service.

For taxpayers required to file a federal income tax return, today is the deadline to either file or seek an extension. On the other hand, taxpayers who are not required to file a return this year – but wish to claim an economic stimulus rebate – may file any time before October 15 without seeking an extension.

To qualify for the economic stimulus rebate, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income – such as wages, Social Security, railroad retirement benefits, veterans’ pension and benefits, and non-taxable combat pay – for 2007 and cannot be claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s 2007 tax return.

Strickland also encourages local Benefit Bank sites and other organizations across the state to recruit and train counselors who can assist individuals in filing for the economic stimulus payment.

“Together we can work to make sure that all Ohioans get the benefits they deserve,” Strickland said. “This rebate will greatly assist Ohioans who are on fixed incomes, as well as help stimulate our economy."

The Ohio Benefit Bank is a web-based computer program to connect low- and moderate-income Ohioans with access to public benefits as well as free tax preparation services.

The Benefit Bank is offered through a public-private partnership between the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and more than 400 faith-based, non-profit, governmental and private-sector partners.

Keith Dailey
614 644-0957/614 506-4949
Keith.Dailey@governor.ohio.gov