Published Friday, Feb. 22, 2002
MERCER COUNTY AREA
Free help available with income tax preparationFree income tax preparation assistance is available locally through the Tax-Aide/Tax Counseling for the Elderly program.
Tax-Aide/TCE is a service of AARP, the retired persons organization, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The free program targets lower-income, elderly and handicapped taxpayers.
Volunteers have been trained by the IRS to prepare simple federal forms, as well as Pennsylvania and local tax returns. Counselors also can prepare applications for rent rebates and can alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible.
The free assistance is not limited to senior citizens. Although several of the sites are in senior centers, low-income taxpayers of all ages are invited to take advantage of the program.
Volunteers will not prepare complicated returns for those who own businesses or rental properties or who are self-employed.
Electronic filing is available at some sites.
Those seeking assistance are asked to take to the sites their W-2 and 1099 forms and other relevant materials showing income for 2001. They also should take copies of their 2000 tax returns.
To reduce waiting time for others, those seeking help are asked to bring information for only one set of tax returns for an individual or couple.
Tax-Aide/TCE volunteers will be available at the following times and locations next week:
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Youngstown State University's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is offering free assistance to elderly, low-income and disabled taxpayers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in Room 115 of Williamson College of Business Administration, Lincoln and Phelps Street in Youngstown.
Those seeking help should take a copy of their 2000 return and information for 2001, including wage and earning statements, interest statements, Social Security numbers and other relevant information.
The Internal Revenue Services sponsors the program. Information: (800) 829-1040.
The IRS' 24-hour help line for those preparing their own federal income tax forms is (800) 829-1040. It will be operating through April 15.