Apalachin Community Press - April 2000

Free Tax Help from AARP

Free income-tax assistance is available at several locations in Tioga County on a first come, first served basis until April 15. The program is designed for taxpayers age 60 and over but no one with low income will be turned away.

Taxpayers are asked to bring with them 1998 tax returns, 1999 tax forms, all W-2, 1099, and any other statements reflecting their 1999 income and tax deductible expenses (receipts of property tax, charity donations, medical expenses, mortgage payments, child care expenses, etc.)

Taxpayers should be aware the 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. New York State also provides tax or rent relief to qualifying residents via the IT-214 Return.

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 are eager to help you.

Walk-in sites are:

• Apalachin - Charter One Bank, Tioga Plaza, Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

• Candor - St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 17 Main Street, Mondays, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

• Owego - United Way Office, 59 Church Street, Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

• Owego - Countryside Community Center, Sheldon Guile Boulevard, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

• Waverly - Free Library on Elizabeth Square, Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Appointment-Only sites are:

• Newark Valley - First Congregational Church, call (607) 687-4362 for an appointment

• Spencer - Library, call (607) 659-3300 for an appointment.

In addition, tax preparation assistance will be available at the home of people who are unable to leave their residences for health reasons. For an appointment for at-home help, call 625-4607.