Stimulus Break: File for Payment in 2009

Still haven’t claimed your 2007 economic stimulus payment? An estimated 4 million individuals are still eligible to receive the payment by filing a 2008 income tax return. For a single filer, the minimum payment is $300 and the maximum is $600; for couples, payments range from $600 to $1,200.

But you must file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service. Eligible are those who received at least $3,000 in Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, certain railroad retirement benefits or earned income in 2007.

If you normally do not file a tax return, complete Form 1040A, available at www.irs.gov.

Barbranda Lumpkins Walls is a features editor at the AARP Bulletin.