• Address: Hicksville, NY 11801 (map)
• Date Posted: 10/04/09

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Putting money in your pocket this year:

■ Making Work Pay Credit. A credit of up to $400 ($800 if you file a joint return). Employees will begin benefitting
from this credit through a reduction in their federal income tax withholding.
■ Economic Recovery Payment. If you’re an adult and received Social Security, Railroad Retirement, VA retirement or
disability benefits, in November or December 2008 or January 2009, you’ll receive a check for $250 in 2009. It’s not
taxable, and you don’t have to file a return to get it.
■ Benefits for the unemployed. If you’re unemployed, you can expect a higher
benefit. Also, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits is tax free. Individuals
involuntarily terminated between 9/1/2008 – 12/31/2009 are eligible for federallysubsidized
COBRA premiums for up to nine months.
For families:
■ Earned income credit. If you file a joint return and/or if you have three or more
children, you’ll see your EIC may be higher when you file next year.
■ Child tax credit. You may be eligible for a refundable credit next year if your
earned income is greater than $3,000.
For homeowners:
■ First-time home buyer credit. If you bought your first home in 2009, you may be
eligible for a refundable credit of up to $8,000, and the credit does not have to
be repaid unless the home is sold or is no longer your main home within three
years of purchase. You can claim the 2009 first-time home buyer on your 2008 or
2009 return.
■ Energy credits. The credit for energy efficient home improvements—such as
new windows, doors, furnaces, and central air conditioners—is back for 2009.
The credit is now up to $1,500.

Getting everything you’re entitled to
Call or Visit your local H & R Block Office
At 204 W Old Country Rd Hicksville NY 11801
516-433-5818