The Stimulus Package

In the next few months, residents may report that they have received income because of qualifying for the stimulus package. This income is not to be included as part of annual income. This was verified by HUD and is documented on the RHIIP web site http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/rhiip/mfhrhiip.cfm

Residents must prepare a tax return in order to receive a stimulus check. RBD has received several queries from property managers asking about residents who need assistance preparing tax returns. Legally, you are not supposed to prepare a tax return unless you are an enrolled agent, a CPA, or an attorney. AARP usually will orchestrate some service to help seniors prepare tax returns. You may also be able to get H & R Block to assist. The IRS is required to assist with preparation of tax returns if the resident goes to the IRS office.

You might want to see if you can get one of these organizations to come to the property to work with a group of residents. If you have a Service Coordinator, he/she should be able to help you.

EIV for 236 and 221(d)(3) BMIR properties

Social Security verification information for Section 236 and Section 221(d)(3) BMIR residents is now available in EIV. Thanks to the EIV team for making this happen.

For those of you managing these properties who are new to EIV, please note that the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) which includes; new hires (W-4), wage and unemployment compensation benefit information should be available in EIV for Section 236 and Section 221(d)(3)BMIR tenants the week of March 17. Until then, you will see the messages:

“EIV received no employment (W4) data” under the Employment Information header

“EIV received no income data” under the Wages header

“EIV received no benefit data” under the Unemployment Insurance header

When this option becomes available, appropriate employment, wage and UEI information will display.

New Information about Reasonable Accommodation/Modification

For years, we have been encouraging owner/agents to access and download the HUD/DOJ joint statement Regarding Reasonable Accommodations.

This is an easy-to-read, document that provides information in a question and answer format.

On March 8, 2008, HUD posted a new HUD/DOJ joint statement regarding reasonable modification. Since you are required to develop and implement a Reasonable Accommodation/Modification policy, we strongly encourage you to download the document and review HUD’s and the Department of Justice’s comments. New information may require you to modify or enhance existing policies. You can access the HUD/DOJ joint statement regarding modifications from the following web site http://www.nixonpeabody.com/linked_media/publications/modification_statement.pdf

The previously published HUD/DOJ joint statement regarding reasonable accommodations can be downloaded from the following web site http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/library/huddojstatement.pdf.

RHIIP ListServ

We encourage all our customers to sign up for the RHIIP ListServ by visiting HUD’s web site at http://www.hud.gov/subscribe/mailinglist.cfm.

RBD does not act as a legal advisor nor as a regulatory governing agency. The recipient should understand that any materials or comments contained herein are not designed for, nor should be relied upon as a source of legal guidance or as a final authority with respect to any particular circumstance. Ross Business Development, Inc. makes no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or any other warranty of any type. Owners and management should seek competent legal advice in developing and carrying out policies and procedures. While we have been diligent in our efforts to provide comprehensive and accurate regulatory information, Ross Business Development, Inc. shall not be responsible for errors or inaccuracies.