Program helps with tax prep, especially for seniors

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Program helps with tax prep, especially for seniors

By NICOLE ESTAPHAN

Story Created: Feb 25, 2008 at 4:03 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 25, 2008 at 7:50 PM EDT

UTICA - Shelling out money to have your taxes prepared can be "taxing" on those who are considered low-income earners.

And with all the paperwork involved it can be confusing at best, especially for seniors. But there is a program available to help ease the burden.

The program is sponsored by AARP and although it has been around since the early 80's, people sometimes forget that the help is out there.

There are 14 locations throughout the district at places like senior centers and libraries, and Utica City Hall, where many came today to have those numbers crunched.

The service helped over 2,400 people last year - about half of those preparations done at City Hall. To qualify for the program, you have to be 60 or over or be considered a low-income earner.

Program directors say there is no set level of income to be considered low-income - it is up to the individuals discretion. But they hope that if you are making, let's say six figures, that you might go elsewhere.

And this year, a reminder about the recently passed stimulus package that includes rebate checks to much of the United States working population:

"You have to file 2007 tax return," said William Nevits of the AARP. "That will qualify you for the stimulus payment. It's automatic. It will not come back with your refund now, but it will process later in the year."

The service at City Hall is available through April 15 and the volunteers are crunching numbers Monday - Wednesday, and Fridays from 9 a.m. -2 p.m.

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