As rebate time draws closer, tax returns needed

Brook Stockberger

Oct. 6, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- To see a complete list of all the locations and times for the free tax filing assistance, click here.

LAS CRUCES -- The state wants to send you money, but if you have not filed a state income tax return this year, you need to do so before you can get a check.

Some residents are not required to file a New Mexico tax return, including veterans living on disability, senior citizens living on Social Security, active duty military and National Guard, Native Americans living and working on tribal land and lower income families. But all individuals must file to get a state rebate.

In a special session in August, the New Mexico Legislature OK'd a pared-down version of a tax rebate proposed by Gov. Bill Richardson. Those residents who earn the least and have the most children to feed will get the biggest checks.

David Harwell, spokesman for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, said previously that the department hopes to have checks printed by the end of October.

"The governor has stated people will receive them by Thanksgiving," he

said.

If you're single and your taxable income was $30,000 or less in 2007, you'll get a $50 rebate, plus another $50 for each child.

The amount of the rebate declines for those earning more than $30,000, and those making $70,000 or more in adjusted gross income will get no benefit.

A married couple in the same income bracket would get $100, as well as $50 for each child.

Get help to file return

If you do not usually file income taxes, there is help on the way.

All this month, New Mexico's Tax and Revenue Department will offer free assistance for people who normally do not file their state taxes. On Wednesday, there will be more than 100 tax preparers at more than 70 locations throughout the state to help you file your 2007 state income tax return if you have not done so already.

"We'll have a press conference Wednesday morning kicking off our outreach campaign for the whole month," said David Harwell spokesman for the Tax and Revenue Department.

Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday for the rest of the month, the state will have tax preparers on hand at various locations, although not necessarily at all the same locations as this week.

"We'll make a big push every Wednesday (in October) to have some tax preparers at locations," he said.

As for this Wednesday, there will be three locations in Las Cruces, two in Truth or Consequences and one each in Anthony, Deming and Silver City.

"We're conducting an unprecedented outreach program to find everyone who's eligible to get their tax rebate check," said Taxation and Revenue Secretary Rick Homans.

James Turner, a veterans service officer in Las Cruces, said veterans are one segment of the population the state hopes to reach.

"We're one of the locations for the free help," he said of his office at 2024 E. Griggs Ave. "I've had people call in and ask if they are eligible."

Also in Las Cruces, you can go to the Tax and Revenue Department office at 2540 El Paseo Road or the Community Action Agency, 320 E. Wyatt Drive, but you must make appointments first by calling (575) 527-8799.

In Anthony, you can go to the Children, Youth and Families Department field offices at 945 Anthony Drive.

For information, visit the Web site www.tax.state.nm.us/rebate.htm, call (866) 285-2996 or visit your local Taxation and Revenue Department office.

Reporter Diana Alba contributed to this report.

Brook Stockberger can be reached at bstockberger@lcsun-news.com

Free tax filing help

New Mexico's Tax and Revenue Department will offer free assistance for people who normally do not file their state taxes so they can receive a tax rebate from the state. All the following locations will offer help from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

Las Cruces

-- Tax and Revenue Department office, 2540 El Paseo Road

-- Veterans Services Field Office, 2024 E. Griggs Ave.

-- Community Action Agency, 320 E. Wyatt Drive; for this location you must make appointments first by calling (575) 527-8799.

Anthony

-- Children, Youth and Families Department office, 945 Anthony Dr.

Deming

-- Children, Youth and Families Department office, 918 E. Pear St.

Silver City

-- Motor Vehicle Division office, 1876 Highway 180 East.

Truth or Consequences

-- Children, Youth and Families Department office, 161 New School Road

-- Senior Center, 360 W. 4th St.

Questions?

Web: http://www.tax.state.nm.us/rebate.htm

(866) 285-2996

Newstex ID: KRTB-0108-28561829