2008-10-01 15:33:03 -

www.libertytax.com - Liberty Tax Service Martha O'Gorman Chief Marketing Officer 800-790-3863 ext. 8022 martha.ogorman@libtax.com As the October 15th tax filing deadline approaches, many retirees and persons who normally do not have to file can still do so in order to receive a tax stimulus check this year. Liberty Tax Service provides free tax advice to assist those who may be

overlooking an opportunity to get the stimulus payment. This eligible group includes low income workers or those who received social security benefits or veterans' disability compensation in 2007.

These individuals will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income. Qualifying income includes social security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans' benefits, and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment.

"Although tax stimulus payments can only be paid through the end of the year, those who don't file by October 15th may not totally miss out on this opportunity," said John Hewitt, Founder and CEO of Liberty Tax. "These taxpayers can claim their tax stimulus payment as a 'recovery rebate credit' when they file a 2008 tax return, based on their 2008 tax information."

Some taxpayers have received lower rebate amounts than they anticipated and are wondering why. Those who owed back taxes or child support may have experienced garnishment of this tax rebate, just as they would have with any tax refund. Others may not be reviewing their total tax liability and listing all amounts of qualifying income. A taxpayer who is claimed as a dependent or is eligible to be a dependent on someone else's federal tax return does not qualify for the stimulus payment or tax rebate.

Some of the most common errors to avoid when filing a 2007 return to claim the stimulus payment include filing more than one return, and listing monthly income instead of annual income. Anyone who has moved since filing a 2007 return should provide their current address to the IRS by sending the Form 8822, Change of Address notification to the appropriate IRS service center, and contacting the IRS by phone.

Liberty Tax Service provides free tax advice to assist those complying with the deadline. Those with questions can e-mail taxrebates@libertytax.com for more information, or call 866-871-1040 to be directly connected to the nearest Liberty Tax Service office. Representatives from Liberty Tax Service are available to comment on this program as well.

About Liberty Tax Service

Liberty Tax Service is the fastest growing retail tax preparation company in the industry's history. Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, a pioneer in the tax industry, Liberty Tax Service (www.libertytax.com) has prepared over 6,000,000 individual income tax returns and currently operates over 2,700 offices throughout the United States and Canada.

Liberty Tax Service provides computerized income tax preparation, electronic filing, and refund anticipation loans. With an emphasis on customer service including audit assistance, a money back guarantee and free tax return checking, Liberty Tax Service is well known for its strong commitment to its client base.

With 39 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt stands as the most experienced CEO in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (NYSE:JTX).

Liberty Tax Service CEO John Hewitt is available for interview. Contact Martha O'Gorman, LTS Chief Marketing Officer at 800-790-3863 ext. 8022 or martha.ogorman@libtax.com.

Liberty Tax Service Offers Help to Meet the Deadline and Avoid
Mistakes