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Pocono News Section
Free Tax Help for Seniors
Free Tax Help for Seniors - Monday, February 1, 2010 at 5:05PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Feb 1, 2010 @ 05:05pm EST
SALEM TOWNSHIP, WAYNE COUNTY -- It's a job many of us dread. Filling out our taxes. But some are getting free help. Starting today volunteers are helping seniors in Wayne County do their taxes.
W2s. 1040s. Ez-File. They're tax terms that can make anyone's head spin, but once again this year seniors in Wayne County are getting free help sorting it all out.
Joanne Owens of South Canaan Township said, ŇItŐs great. The people are wonderful. I think itŐs great that they do it for us seniors and they volunteer. I think itŐs a wonderful program."
Inside the Hamlin Senior Center Monday the county's Senior Tax Assistance Program kicked off. Trained volunteers from the AARP helped a steady stream of seniors looking for help.
Harry Wilson of South Canaan Township said, ŇThe way they change the laws and everything, its hard to keep up.Ó
Last year nearly 500 seniors got tax help. This year they expect even more. District Coordinator Marie Felton said, ŇSome of them just have a few little things for taxes and they go to a paid preparer and itŐs $200-$300 and they can't afford it."
On Monday the news was good for Joanne Owens. She thought she was going to have to pay. Instead sheŐs getting back $690.
Volunteers say not everyone gets money back though. Volunteer Len Mullen of Greentown said, ŇThe worst thing is when you have to tell somebody they have to pay.Ó
Seniors get tax help on Mondays at the Hamlin Senior Center and on Thursdays at the Honesdale Senior Center.
For more information and to sign up for the program call the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging. | | |
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