To the Editor:

Don't leave your money on the table. The only way to obtain "stimulus" monies that you are eligible for, but did not receive, is to file an income tax return. April 15, 2024 is the deadline for individuals to request the first and second stimulus monies. The first stimulus saw most individuals receiving $1,200 for themselves and $500 per eligible child starting in March 2020. The second stimulus in December 2020 was $600 per requester and $600 per child. In some cases, the request for stimulus may be the only item that will appear on the income tax return. Individuals who were incarcerated during the stimulus payment years and did not get them may apply.
Don't be confused by some of the terminology. Most people refer to these payments as "stimulus". The IRS now uses the terms Economic Impact Payment (EIP) and RRC (Recovery Rebate Credit). The income tax return document for tax year 2020 uses the "RRC" term.
April 15, 2024 is the last day to apply for these:

(1) RRC Round 1, initiated on March 2020: $1,200 per income tax filer, $500 per child (CARES Act)

(2) RRC Round 2, initiated December 2020: $600 per income tax filer, $600 per child (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021)

A tax return for the sole purpose of obtaining either of these two tax rebates is available to be completed for you at no cost locally at:
(1) VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - at the Potsdam Library Ground Floor on Thursday April 11, 2024 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(2) AARP/TCE - Massena Senior Center - Monday & Tuesday April 8 & 9 and Monday April 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
No appointment necessary, expect to wait, however please do check your bank records to verify that you did not in fact get the stimulus before applying.

Michael Oleksiuk
Potsdam