Business in brief: Non-tax filers can use IRS Free File
People who do not normally file a tax return can use the IRS Free File program to get their economic stimulus package payment, the Internal Revenue Service said Thursday.
The tax agency said people filing for no reason other than to get their payments should use those companies listed on the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov, at Free File - Economic Stimulus Payment.
Individuals can receive between $300 and $600, and married couples from $600 to $1,200, under the economic stimulus act.
To qualify, individuals and families must have at least $3,000 income from a combination of earned income and other sources, such as Social Security retirement or disability benefits or Veterans Administration survivor benefits. In addition, AARP is distributing 1040A forms; to get one, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.
COEUR D’ALENE
CdA Red Robin hiring 100 people
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. plans to hire more than 100 workers for its new Coeur d’Alene eatery, slated to open in mid-April.
The 5,184-square-foot casual-dining restaurant is part of SRM Development LLC’s Riverstone development along the Spokane River.
Applicants can visit the Red Robin, 719 N. Tenth St., or call (208) 215-0796.
Founded in 1969, the chain includes more than 380 sites in the U.S. and Canada, including two in Spokane and one in Spokane Valley.
WASHINGTON
Foreclosures hit high at end of ‘07
Home foreclosures soared to an all-time high in the final three months of 2007 and probably will keep rising, evidence of homeowners’ suffering and the economic danger from the meltdown.
The Mortgage Bankers Association said Thursday the portion of all mortgages that slipped into foreclosure set a record, 0.83 percent, from October through December. The previous high, 0.78 percent, came in the July-through-September period.
At the same time, more homeowners fell behind on monthly payments.
The delinquency rate – when payments are at least 30 days past due – for all mortgages climbed to 5.82 percent, the highest since 1985. The rate was 5.59 percent in the third quarter last year.
NEW YORK
Discount stores beat expectations
The nation’s retailers got a little reprieve in February, as consumers hesitantly returned to malls and stores after retrenching in recent months. Among the big winners were discounters like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., whose results beat expectations.
Nonetheless, as retailers reported mixed February sales results Thursday, it was clear that consumers struggling with high gas and food prices and a slumping housing market weren’t splurging and are focused on necessities, like groceries, and low prices. Among the weakest performers were Gap Inc., Limited Brands Inc. and J.C. Penney Co.
Staff and wire reports