Congressman Paul Hodes invited representatives of the NH Statewide Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Alliance to a recent press conference. The Alliance is sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension. At the press conference, Congressman Hodes talked about a bill he sponsored providing tax relief and investment incentives for small businesses and about cosponsoring another part of the stimulus package that extends tax relief to seniors. The stimulus plan provides all working families with a tax rebate. Congressman Hodes noted, "New Hampshire families need and deserve some of their money back to help them through this tough time."

Six hundred thousand New Hampshire families will receive an average refund of $833. Most working families are eligible for the rebate, including those earning over $3,000 in wages or receiving at least $3,000 in Social Security or veteran’s disability benefits. Many will get the refund as early as mid-May. Tax relief begins to phase out for single people with incomes above $75,000 and couples above $150,000. Those who live on Social Security income also qualifies for rebates, and the bill honors disabled veterans by extending rebates to them.

You must file a 2007 Federal Tax Return to receive an economic stimulus rebate even if you aren’t usually required to file one. If you have already filed and received a tax refund, the payments will be deposited in the account you designated or you will receive a check.

The locations and times of the 70 free tax preparation sites statewide is available through the Web site of NH Statewide EITC Alliance or by calling the toll free line of 1-877-398-4769. IRS-certified tax preparers are available at all of the free tax preparation sites.