Hundreds of thousands of Floridians are in danger of missing out on $300 to $600 economic stimulus rebates. The IRS said Thursday that 405,968 retirees and disabled veterans in Florida — 5.2-million nationwide — are potentially eligible for the payments but haven't filed for them.
The numbers add up to 29 percent of those potentially eligible in Florida and 26 percent nationwide.
Most of those who did not file have not filed a tax return for at least the past three years and may not be aware that they need to file a return to get a stimulus check. Some may not be eligible because they are claimed as dependents on another person's return.
You can still get a check this year by filing Form 1040A by Oct. 15. To be eligible, you must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which includes wages, Social Security benefits (including disability benefits) and VA disability benefits.
Most people who qualify for the checks but who don't make enough to owe income taxes will receive the minimum stimulus payment of $300 for singles and $600 for married couples. Those who have children younger than 17 can get an additional $300 per child.
To find would-be recipients, the IRS is launching an outreach initiative in partnership with state and local governments and groups such as AARP, National Council on Aging, United Way of America and the National Disability Institute.
The IRS said it has issued 76.5-million rebates worth $63.8-billion.
The IRS' list of people who may be eligible for a tax rebate and never filed includes:
14,662 in Tampa
11,605 in St. Petersburg
4,817 in Clearwater
and 3,474 in New Port Richey
Source: IRS
To get your rebate
You must file Form 1040A by Oct. 15. The form is available at www.irs.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-829-3676.
They haven't filed
The IRS' list of people who may be eligible for a tax rebate and never filed includes, by city:
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