FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comptroller Franchot, Balt. CASH & AARP Urge Eligible Seniors, Veterans to File for Stimulus Relief

Annapolis, MD (July 28, 2008) - With people feeling the ever-increasing pinch from the national economic slowdown, Comptroller Peter Franchot, the Baltimore CASH Campaign and AARP Maryland today urged the nearly 100,000 of eligible Maryland seniors and veterans who have not yet claimed their federal economic stimulus payments to do so. This announcement coincides with the beginning of a three-week outreach campaign by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is sending information packets to remaining individuals on how to receive their checks.

"With the price of everything from a gallon of gas to a gallon of milk on the rise, folks, now more than ever, should take advantage of the millions of dollars in available federal relief," said Comptroller Franchot. "It is not too late to file, and the process only takes a few steps which can go a long way to help people in these challenging economic times - particularly those on fixed incomes."

Over the next three weeks, the IRS will be mailing information to more than 97,000 Marylanders who have no requirement to file a tax return but who may be eligible for a stimulus payment of up to $300 ($600 for married filing jointly). Of that total, nearly 65,000 are people 65 years or older. The mailing will include a blank federal 1040A tax form, a sample form and instructions on how to file. In order to qualify for this payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in income from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and/or Railroad Retirement benefits plus earned income, including nontaxable combat pay. Individuals are only required to file a federal 1040A and do NOT need to file with the state of Maryland to receive their stimulus check.

"We want to ensure that all eligible people are accessing the economic stimulus. The extra money can be helpful to start an emergency savings, pay down some debt, or cover increased food costs. Whatever the use, we all need to talk to our neighbors and family members to make sure that they have filed for their economic stimulus," said Joanna Smith-Ramani, Director of the Baltimore "Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH)" Campaign. AARP Maryland urged seniors with additional questions about filing for their payment check to utilize the free assistance available from all three organizations.

"The federal economic stimulus payments can provide critical relief to many older Marylanders who are struggling to pay for their food and housing costs," explained AARP Maryland Senior State Director Joe DeMattos. "It takes just a few minutes to file, and help is available."

Individuals can go to the Comptroller's Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com, for more information on how to go about filing for the payment. In addition, IRS-trained volunteers are available to read and respond to stimulus-related questions at www.aarp.org/taxaide. The CASH Campaign also offers free tax assistance through their First Call for Help Hotline at 1-800-492-0618.

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CONTACT: Warren Hansen, 410-260-7082 (office), 410-212-1475 (cell)