Free Tax Assistance from AARP

  Free income-tax assistance is available at several locations in Tioga County on a first come, first served basis or by appointment.

 The program is designed for taxpayers age 60 or over but no one with low income will be turned away.

 Taxpayers are asked to bring with them a copy of 2004 return, all W-2, 1099 and any other statements reflecting their 2005 income and tax deductible expenses such as receipts of property tax, charity donations, medical expenses, mortgage payments, child care expenses, etc.

 Taxpayers should be aware that Federal and State credits are available for low income people that not only reduce the tax burden but in many cases provide payments when no tax is due. Refundable Earned Income Credit may be claimed if earnings and adjusted gross income do not exceed reasonable limits for people with children and to more strict limitations for others.

 Taxpayers who owe no tax are urged to check in at one of the sites to see if filing might result in a refundable credit.

 Counselors, many of whom are retired professionals with years of tax preparation experience, are trained by the Internal Revenue Service and will be at the sites until mid April.

 All returns will be computer generated and e-filed for quick turn-around and refund. In rare cases where the taxpayer has objections to e-filing, a paper return for mailing will be generated. In all cases, a hard copy of return is given to the taxpayer.

Walk-In Sites:
• Apalachin - Charter One Bank, Tioga Plaza, every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Owego - United Way Office, 24 State Rt. 96, every Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

By Appointment Sites:
• Owego - Countryside Community Center, Sheldon Guile Boulevard, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Call 687-4120 to make an appointment
• Waverly - Public Library on Elizabeth Square, every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Call (607) 565-9341 to make an appointment.
• Newark Valley - 1st Congregational Church, Wednesday, 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon. Call (607) 642-5520 to make an appointment.

At Home Assistance
In addition, tax preparation will be available at the home of people who are unable to leave their residences for health reasons. For an appointment or more information, call 625-4607.