"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Many people around the country do not realize that they are eligible for the federal government’s stimulus payment. More than 24,000 Oklahomans in the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county jurisdictional area have not filed an application with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the economic stimulus payment. The last day to file is Wednesday, October 15. Applications must be mailed by this date.

To receive an Economic Stimulus Payment you must file a federal income tax return with the IRS. Anyone who received at least $3,000 in earnings or benefits from Social Security, VA disability or a Retired Railroad Worker’s pension may be eligible to receive the payment.

As a service to its citizens, Cherokee Nation’s Self-Sufficiency Office is offering application assistance. Cherokee citizens in or near Claremore should contact 918-342-6806, for the Tahlequah office call 918-207-3939, Sallisaw area citizens should contact 918-774-0321 and citizens near the Jay area should call 918-453-2460.

Those who are not citizens of the Cherokee Nation may be able to receive help from the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. A center is located in Tulsa. For more information about the center’s services, phone: 918-622-8482 or visit their web site, IRS: Face-to-face Tax Help. For additional details about eligibility, payments and other important information about the Economic Stimulus Programs go to the IRS news room.