Office on Aging offers free tax assistance

Free tax counseling for older adults in a 17-county area will be offered again this year by the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, in cooperation with the IRS, according to a release from SWMOA.

SWMOA's Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, in its 11th year, features IRS-trained tax counselors available at many community centers, including senior centers, housing units, hospitals and nursing facilities. Counselors are available through April 15, and home visits can be scheduled for homebound persons.

To receive this free assistance with federal and state returns, participants need to bring copies of their 1998 tax returns, 1999 tax forms (if received) and all income-related statements.

Counselors with the program also assist with completing Form MO-PTC for participants. Many older Missourians do not know they may be eligible to receive this property tax or rent refund through the state of Missouri. The refund is either based on the amount of rent the individual pays for his or her home or nursing home, or the real estate tax paid for the home he or she owns.

In order to be eligible for the MO-PTC refund, the individual must:

Be 65 years old or older as of Dec. 31, 1999.

Have been a Missouri resident for the entire year.

Have income of less than $25,000 if single or $27,000 if married, and meet sliding scale requirements in income vs. expense.

Pay rent or real estate taxes.

Contact the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging at 862-0762 for more information.