Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, November 14, 1995                   TAG: 9511140081
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TAX CHANGE GOOD NEWS FOR RETIREES

J.B., Bent Mountain

A: Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County, gets most of the credit or blame for that change.

From the way your question is phrased, you seem to believe this is going to cost you money. But for retirees who paid taxes last year, this change probably means they'll pay less to the state next April.

A more complete explanation is needed. For the past few years, the state has granted an age deduction, starting at age 62 and increasing at 65.

Anyone 65 or older, for example, with Social Security of $700 a month had to figure his or her state taxes this way: Claim the $12,944 "age deduction" but subtract the Social Security income, which totals $8,400.

That left the person with an actual age deduction of $4,544.

For this tax year, people 65 and over can claim the full $10,000 age deduction. It'll be $5,000 for those age 62 through 64.

The new tax law - resulting from a change inserted by Cranwell during the General Assembly's July special session to approve Virginia's settlement with U.S. retirees - could save affluent senior citizens up to $650, according to columnist Ray Garland, who was onto this move. It received little notice elsewhere.

Garland also noted that it will reduce the state's revenue by $120 million over three years.

The General Assembly's history on tax breaks for retirees shows that they change often. There's no guarantee this one will last more than one year; the assembly goes into session again Jan. 10.

GED courses offered

Q: I'm 43 years old and did not finish school. I would like to take up real estate or some kind of career. Where can I go to get my GED in Roanoke? Is it offered at any colleges?

M.G., Roanoke

A: General Educational Development courses are offered by adult education programs in Roanoke (981-2151), Roanoke County (857-5040) and, for those who meet income limits, Total Action Against Poverty (982-3859).

No local colleges offer the GED course.

In Roanoke, the course is offered two nights a week at Fallon Park Elementary, Madison Middle and Breckinridge Middle schools and Taylor Learning Academy, 3601 Thirlane Road. A daytime class is taught at the Jefferson Center.

Roanoke County offers the class at the Arnold R. Burton Technology Center, charging $60 for instruction and textbook. The next session starts the week of Jan.22.

Roanoke schools offer three types of adult education classes at no charge for people older than 18 whose education is evaluated at varying grade levels. Classes are open-entry and may be started any time.

Federal and state grants cover the costs of the city program.

The GED test, given once a month at the Jefferson Center, costs $25. One may take the test without first taking the course.|

Have a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.