Tax help available from Genesee Office for the Aging

The Genesee County Office for the Aging offers free income tax preparation for low to moderate income taxpayers and/or property tax credit (IT-214) assistance. Volunteers trained by the IRS and NY State Department of Taxation are available by appointment only for income tax preparation. Some volunteers have been trained to process computerized income tax forms. For those needing only IT-214 Form assistance, the Office for the Aging staff will be available by appointment after March 24.

For tax help contact the following:

• Batavia-Genesee Senior Center - 2 Bank Street, Batavia, 343-1611.
  Preference given to Genesee County Seniors over age 60.
• Orleans Community Action Committee, 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, 343-7798.
• Haxton Memorial Library, Drake and North Pearl Streets, Oakfield, 343-1611.
• Elba United Methodist Church, 8 Chapel Street, Elba, 343-1611.
• The Greens of LeRoy, One West Avenue, LeRoy, 768-2740.

Forms will be available for the clients scheduled for appointments. Forms are also available at local banks, libraries, and post offices for those needing forms, but not assistance. A volunteer will be available for general information and to offer assistance with paper income tax returns at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the months of January, February, March and April. State forms can also be obtained from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance by calling 1-800-462-8100. Federal Forms can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service by calling 1-800-829-3676.

Real Property Tax Credit (IT-214):
Many older Genesee County homeowners and renters can apply for a refund from New York State. Form IT-214 allows property taxpayers and renters with annual household incomes of less than $19,500 the opportunity to file. You may file this income tax credit even if you do not normally have to file income tax returns. The IT-214 can be filed alone, but should be completed with your other income tax forms for those who file returns. The refund is not guaranteed to every applicant. Every household's circumstances are different. Deadline to file IT-214 is as follows: 1999 Income - 4/15/2003; 2000 Income - 4/15/2004; 2001 Income - 4/15/2005; 2002 Income - 4/15/2006.

For information or to set up an appointment for assistance in completing the IT-214, call the Office for the Aging at 343-1611. Appointments will be available after March 24.

Aged Property Tax Reduction:
Those who applied for a reduction in property taxes and who are over age 65 must meet certain income limitations and other requirements. Localities have the option of granting reductions based on their sliding-scale program for each municipality. Call the local assessor's office to ask about the Specific Income Guidelines for eligibility and to request the needed form. Call the Aging Services Office at 343-1611 for assistance. Deadline to file is March 1, 2003, for all Genesee County residents, except for City of Batavia residents whose deadline date for filing is June 1, 2003.

STAR (School Tax Relief):
The STAR Program was created to provide needed property school tax relief. Those currently enrolled in the aged property tax reduction, will automatically be enrolled in STAR. All others need to apply for STAR. Call the Office for the Aging at 343-1611 for help. Deadline to file is March 1, 2003 for all Genesee County residents, except for City of Batavia residents whose deadline date for filing is June 1, 2003.