LEWISTON – There’s good news this tax season for retirees, people on Social Security and others with very little income: You’re due economic stimulus money from the federal government.

The only catch: You must fill out a tax form to get it.

But relax. You have until Oct. 15.

“It’s more of an information filing,” said IRS spokeswoman Peggy Riley.

As part of a government effort to boost the economy, President George W. Bush in February signed legislation that will give millions of Americans $300 to $1,200, plus an additional $300 for each qualifying child, starting in May. In order to get an economic stimulus check, a person must have earned at least $3,000 in 2007 and must file a 2007 tax return.

Very low income people – those who earn so little they don’t have to file a tax return – are eligible to receive economic stimulus money, but they must fill out a federal 1040A form to show they’ve earned enough to meet the $3,000 threshold. Those earnings can come from Social Security, retirement benefits or other income.

Although very low income people must fill out a tax return in order to get an economic stimulus check, they will not suddenly have to pay income tax and will not be taxed on the economic stimulus money.

On Monday, two H&R Block representatives held free, one-on-one sessions at the Lewiston Public Library to help area residents fill out the required form. The sessions were scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m.

By 9 a.m., 15 to 20 people were waiting. By noon, about 30 had gone through the sessions.

Many people were confused about which form they had to fill out, why they had to file a tax return and how much money they’d be getting. Others questioned whether they’d have to pay taxes, either on their meager income or the economic stimulus money.

“There’s just all these rumors going around,” said Kerry Robinson with H&R Block. “There’s this kind of fear with the IRS.”

Joyce Holtz of Lewiston was one of the last people to meet with Robinson. She said her son usually takes care of her taxes for her, but someone told her about the free tax help and she decided to check it out.

Holtz, who gets Social Security, was happy to hear she should receive some money from the government.

“Every penny counts,” she said.

Very low income people can expect to get $300 per person and $600 per couple though the stimulus plan, Robinson said. Middle income taxpayers can expect to get $600 per person and $1,200 per couple.

Although taxpayers must mail their income tax returns today, those filing a 1040A only to get an economic stimulus check have until Oct. 15. While other taxpayers will begin getting their checks in May, though, late filers won’t receive their money until their form is in.

H&R Block and the Lewiston Public Library may offer another free, one-on-one help session if there’s enough interest in it. For more information or to request a session, call 513-3135.

What you should know:

• The government is sending money to millions of Americans in an effort to stimulate the economy.

• You must have earned at least $3,000 in 2007 to qualify.

• Very low income people (those who don’t earn enough to file an income tax return) can expect to get $300 per person or $600 per couple.

• If you don’t normally file a tax return, you must fill out a federal 1040A tax form to get an economic stimulus check.

• If you did not owe taxes before, you will not suddenly owe taxes by filing a 1040A.

• If you are filing a 1040A only to get an economic stimulus check (not because you owe taxes), you have until October 15 to mail the form.

Very low income? What you should do to get an economic stimulus check:

• File a tax return. If you do not earn enough to pay taxes, file a federal 1040A and report the income you do have.

• Write “stimulus payment” at the top of the form. Also, make sure to include your name, address and social security number.

• If you don’t know exactly how much you earned in Social Security, estimates are acceptable. (Multiple your monthly benefit by 12)

• Send in the form by Oct. 15.