WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Senator Susan Collins (ME) pressed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure veterans and Arizonans with disabilities receive rebate checks without having to file 2019 tax returns if their income falls below the federal threshold for filing.
“The CARES Act intended for Arizona veterans and disability beneficiaries to receive their direct cash assistance without filing taxes. We’re ensuring the IRS follows the spirit of the law so Arizonans get the support they need during this public health crisis,” said Sinema.
On April 1, 2020, Sinema urged the IRS to follow the CARES Act law, after the agency released guidance contradicting provisions of the CARES Act that states Social Security beneficiaries do not have to file taxes to receive their assistance. After calls from Sinema, the IRS issued new guidance that seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits will get their rebate checks without filing a tax return.
In their letter, Sinema and Collins acknowledge IRS’ new guidance which ensures Arizona seniors will receive their rebate checks, but the Senators indicate that the IRS neglected to include Arizona veterans and disability beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Sinema and Collins are now calling for the IRS to include veterans and beneficiaries so they can receive their rebate checks automatically without having to file a 2019 federal return.
Click HERE for the letter.
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