The
Atlanta Legal Aid Society has represented Atlanta's poor in
civil legal cases since 1924. Our work helps our clients
deal with some of life's most basic needs -- a safe home, enough
food to eat, a decent education, protection against fraud,
and personal safety. Our clients come from Clayton, Cobb,
DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties in Georgia. |
Downtown
151 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 524-5811
Cobb
(770) 528-2565
DeKalb
(404) 377-0701
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Gwinnett
(678) 376-4545
South Fulton/Clayton
(404) 669-0233
Senior Citizen Hotline
For clients age 60 or over, throughout Georgia
(404) 657-9915
Toll free 1 (888) 257-9519
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To get your 2008 "rebate," you must file a tax return.
Low-income people who are not required to file and owe no income tax may
still qualify for $300 or more from the government.
Who is eligible?
Under the federal government’s recently announced “stimulus” package, more than 130 million households can get a one-time check this summer from the IRS. To qualify, an individual, couple or family needs to have received $3,000 or more income in all of 2007 from wages or pensions. Social Security payments alone can qualify you, as can Railroad Retirement or veteran benefits.
What if I receive SSI?
SSI benefits do not count toward the $3,000, but if you receive enough other income too, having some SSI is OK. And if you do receive SSI or any other needs-based benefits like TANF or food stamps, receiving the check will not affect them.
How much will I get?
Single taxpayers who qualify will receive $300, couples $600. If you have dependent children, you can receive more. (People with very high incomes will receive less, or none.)
How can I be getting a “rebate” if I pay no taxes?
The payment is not truly a “rebate” – because you can receive it even if you owe no income tax. It’s actually a “refundable” credit to be figured with your 2008 taxes. Either year, it will not affect what you owe, and it will come in addition to any refund you may be due from tax withheld.
What do I need to do?
Just file a tax return. Many low-income people who get Social Security don’t normally need to file a tax return. But this year, it’s worth it. You need to use form 1040 or 1040A. You can pick one up at a post office. You may also be able to file electronically. Go to http://www.irs.gov for information.
When do I need to file?
It’s best to file by April 15, but extensions are possible. Checks will still be sent through 2008.
What if I need help filing my taxes?
One source of help is AARP’s Tax-Aide program, 888 227-7669 or
https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator_adv.jsp.
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Read more about the tornado.
Find information about Disaster Relief.
ALAS Attorney Meets with
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke
Just Another Day At Legal Aid
You have read about us in the news; you have seen our web site; now experience the heart and soul of Atlanta Legal Aid in this short film.
We had a great time, raised more than $15,000 for our favorite cause, and are still enjoying the pictures!
See all the details and the pictures here.
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