Senior citizens qualify for free tax help
Tax returns for 2006 will be completed free of charge to any senior citizen over 60 years old and to any low-income taxpayers. This service is provided through AARP at several sites throughout the tri-state area. The taxpayer needs only to call for an appointment at one of the following sites: Center in the Woods, Route 88, California, Pa. – 724-938-3554.
Center on the Hill, 100 Summit Road, Belle Vernon, Pa. – 724-930-8512.
Perryopolis Senior Citizen Center, 403 Liberty St., Perryopolis, Pa. – 724-736-2250.
St. Peter’s Rectory Office, 118 Church St., Brownsville, Pa. – thru the Fayette Community Action – 724-437-6050 ext. 2227.
Donora Senior Citizen Center, 700 Meldon Ave., Donora, Pa. – 724-379-6446.
A volunteer, who has been trained and certified by the IRS and the state Department of Revenue, is able to complete federal and state tax returns and property tax and rent rebate forms. The taxpayer must make an appointment and bring last year’s copy of his/her tax returns, all of his/her 2006 tax documents and the original stamped 2006 property tax receipts. The completed returns will be filed electrically to the IRS and the state.
Two important changes for this year’s filing are in effect. The first is a refund to all eligible taxpayers for long distance excise taxes collected. The minimum amount a single person may collect is $30 with the maximum amount for four or more people in a household is $60. A federal return must be filed to collect this refund.
The other is an increase in the income level from $15,000 to $35,000 for property tax with the rebate from $650 down to $250.
Rent rebate for the state has gone up to a high of $650 and a low of $500. Taxpayers should bring their receipts and let the volunteer see if they are eligible for a refund.