Residents make plans for CARES Act funds

Published 11:44 am Thursday, April 16, 2020

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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

As a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, many Chilton County taxpayers will be receiving funds from the federal government.

Depending on how one filed their taxes, this could be in the form of a direct deposit into the person’s bank account or a check sent through the mail. (Some who do not file a tax return will also be eligible, if they make less than $12,200. To find out if you qualify, visit irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.)

Some who have received a tax refund direct deposited into their bank account in the last two years have already received their funds. To check the status of your payment, visit irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments. Individual taxpayers will receive $1,200 and couples will receive $2,400 for those making less than $150,000.

Chilton County residents have already been thinking about what to do with the money.

“As I’m currently out of work because of the mandates, I’ll be using it to feed my family and pay bills,” Tonya Marsh said.

Theresa Wilson said she planned to do the same thing. Kimberly Bell also said she would be using the money to pay bills, while Shawn Smith planned to pay down credit card debt.

Other residents, like Susan Cleckler, recommended saving it.

Maria Spearman Mantooth  said she would be putting the money toward buying a car that she had been saving money to purchase.

“It should be used to pay bills and buy any necessities, for people whose income has been impacted. Maybe some who don’t need it for bills can use some to support struggling small businesses and save some, too,”  Casey Carden Tatum said.

Charlie Haye said he was going to save the funds.

Others had plans to spend it and help the local economy.

“Supporting our local businesses” was Joseph Allgood’s answer.

Lee Morrison agreed, saying he was going to “help small businesses.”

Kent Altom said he planned to “buy American and support local businesses.”

“Shopping if they will ever let us free and open the stores back up,” Karen Harrison Smith said.