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Vol. LXV, No. 7
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 7
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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The Princeton Senior Resource Center (PSRC) is sponsoring free tax assistance for low and moderate-income people, with special attention to those age 60 and over in the wider Princeton area who are filing uncomplicated personal returns. Trained volunteers from AARP will be available to prepare New Jersey State and Federal returns. Returns may be filed electronically. Volunteer preparers are particularly familiar with tax regulations and rebate programs that affect seniors. Assistance is available by appointment on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the PSRC (Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St, behind Borough Hall); call (609) 924-7108 for an appointment. Spruce Circle residents may make an appointment at their location for Mondays, February 14, March 28, or April 4, between 12:30 and 4 p.m.; call (609) 252-2362. Walk-in assistance, including help for Spanish-speaking residents, is being offered at Nassau Presbyterian Church on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants in any of these sessions must bring copies of their 2009 Federal and New Jersey tax returns, as well as all necessary 2009 tax information, including W-2 and 1099 income forms, unemployment statements, SSA-1099 Social Security forms, forms indicating federal tax paid, property tax bill, dependent care provider information, and receipts for itemized deductions such as medical bills and charitable contributions.
The Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs warns residents about tax preparers who falsely advertise “same day” tax refunds or Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL). “These instant tax refunds are really costly loans paid from their tax refunds,” the Division warns. “AN RAL is a high–cost loan that is secured by the taxpayer’s anticipated tax refund. RALs can carry triple-digit interest rates, hidden fees and may expose consumers to unpaid debt, if their tax refund is not as much expected. Mostly, RALs are targeted at the working poor, especially taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the largest federal anti-poverty program. Consumers should be aware of store front signs, posters and flyers luring them into their business. Any advertisement claiming your refund will arrive in 24 or 48 hours is actually a loan. It’s impossible to get an actual refund that quickly. The fastest way for a consumer to get their refund from the IRS,” suggests a Consumer Affairs spokesman, “is to file electronically and have the refund direct deposited into their bank account.” Consumers who sign up for RALS without receiving full disclosure of the terms and conditions of the loan may file a complaint with the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs by calling (609) 989-6671 or going to www.mercercounty.org for a complaint form.
A statewide discount prescription drug card program, called New Jersey Drug Card and sponsored by Mercer County, is free to all residents. The program provides discounts on both brand and generic medications, and average savings are estimated to be around 30 percent. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limit and no applications to fill out. See www.mercercounty.org.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 N.J. State Governor’s Jefferson Awards to recognize outstanding volunteer service in emergency services, health care, arts and education, corporate leadership, executive leadership, lifetime service, youth in service, service to youth, faith-based service, and more. For a full description of awards categories and an online nomination form are available at www.njgovernorsawards.com. The nomination period ends on February 28.
A free workshop for teachers, parents, administrators and interested members of the community called School Gardens: From Seed Packets to Soup Pots! will be held on Monday, March 7, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Princeton Public Library. Cosponsored by the Library and the Princeton School Gardens Cooperative, the program will include speakers, break out sessions, and panel talks on what to plant, how to incorporate homegrown food into lessons, how to connect the garden to the classroom, and how to raise community awareness and money. To attend, register by March 1 at http://tinyurl.com/4wdz3dd. Lunch options include a $5 homemade lunch; ordering from the library’s Dispensa Café; or bringing one’s own lunch. Professional Development credit for teachers who attend the program will be available through the Princeton Public Library. For more information, call (609) 683-8309.