Meet Judith!

Meet Judith! You may have spoken with her on the phone as she helps us in the RSVP office from time to time. Judith also volunteers with our yearly income tax counseling program (TCE), the Watkins Glen Public Library, the Schuyler County Historical Society and medical transportation. She's also a member of our RSVP Advisory Council. Here she shows some of her newly knitted hats for Seneca Santa. Do any of these activities sound interesting to you? Give RSVP a call! We have something for everyone! Call 607-535-7105 or email JLG228@cornell.edu

Residential Energy Credit

You still have time to make qualified improvements to your main home and claim the credit on your upcoming Tax Year 2010 tax return.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides tax incentives for individuals to invest in energy-efficient products. Publication 4845 highlights some key points about the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit and the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Homeowners who have been considering some energy efficient home improvements may find these tax credits will result in bigger tax savings. Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, is used to claim the credits.

Attached is a PDF of the Residential Energy Credit flyer for your information. It is posted on IRS.gov. It can be downloaded and printed or distributed electronically.

Tax Forms Available at Montour Library

The Montour Falls Library has 2009 NY State tax forms available.  Any questions about what forms they have or suggestions for others they should order can be directed to Luke Rondinero at 535-7489.  If you can't get through, just leave a message.  You can also email your questions/requests to montourfalls@stls.org.

Forms can also be downloaded from the IRS website.

Don't forget that RSVP offers free tax counseling services to Schuyler residents age 60 and older!

Tax Counseling for the Elderly

Certified RSVP volunteer tax counselors will provide free assistance with 2009 Federal and New York State tax returns from February 3rd through April 14th, 2010 at the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls. This service is available for Schuyler County Senior Citizens age 60 and over.

Tax assistance is provided by appointment only, which can be scheduled by calling Schuyler County RSVP at 607-535-8242. Please leave a message and a volunteer will contact you.

Residents outside of Schuyler County and/or those under 60 years of age should call the 2-1-1 Helpline by dialing 211.

The Economic Recovery Payment

A one-time payment of $250 will be made in 2009 to:

• Retirees, disabled individuals and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration.
• Disabled veterans receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Railroad Retirement beneficiaries.

The IRS will not make this payment — unlike last year's economic stimulus program. Individuals who may qualify for this year's economic recovery payment should contact their respective agency for more information.

The Social Security Administration Web site has a special section on the economic recovery payment.

The economic recovery payment will be a reduction to any Making Work Pay credit for which the recipient qualifies. The Making Work Pay credit will be claimed on the recipient's 2009 tax return filed in 2010.

Return to Tax Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Free Tax Counseling Services Available

RSVP is once again offering free income tax preparation.

Schuyler County residents age 60 and older should call 607-535-8242 for an appointment. Please leave a message including your name and phone number and someone will return your call. Appointments are available on Wednesdays from February 4 - April 15 in Montour Falls.

Yates County residents (any age) can call 315-536-5515 to schedule an appointment.

Urgent Need for Income Tax Counselors!!

We cannot provide this service without volunteers!

RSVP is urgently looking for volunteer tax preparers to assist with the 2008 tax returns of Schuyler County’s senior population. Extensive training and guidance is provided. Returns are completed and sent electronically. Laptops and printers are supplied.

Please share this volunteer opportunity with your friends age 55 and older.

Over 150 Schuyler seniors take advantage of our free tax assistance program.