Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

American Samoa’s governor says some locals may qualify for a rebate

Posted at 21:50 on 01 April, 2008 UTC

American Samoa’s Governor Togiola Tulafono has urged territorial residents to seek information with the government’s Tax Office if they qualify to receive a rebate under the federal economic stimulus law.

Rebates ranges from US$300, for single person to $600 for a married couple with an additional $300 for every qualified child under the age of 17 years old.

Governor Togiola said money American Samoa receives under this federal law will help stimulate the local economy and he thanked American Samoa congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin for including American Samoa in provisions of the this federal law.

As of late last week the Tax Office is awaiting word from the U.S. Treasury Department on some of the details needed before the rebate for American Samoa is advanced to the local Treasury Department.

According to the governor, any money from this rebate that circulates back into the economy will greatly improve our economic situation.

He said if the U.S. faces a recession, it will have great impact on American Samoa and therefore it’s important that any money earned circulates back into the community to ensure continued prosperity for the local economy.