ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 23, 1997 TAG: 9701240096
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SARAH HAMMERSCHLAG STAFF WRITER
This tax season, two programs will offer free help with income taxes to Roanoke Valley residents with special needs.
Beginning in February, both the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the LOA Area Agency on Aging will give free tax counseling at libraries, churches and community centers.
Both nationally based programs are organized in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service, and both are staffed by IRS-trained volunteers.
LOA's Tax-Aide program, sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons, is especially designed to help older taxpayers with low to moderate incomes. Volunteers help prepare returns, answer questions about special provisions that affect older people, and double-check returns that have already been prepared.
``We're like a free H&R Block for seniors,'' said Kevin McCullough, LOA's director of public relations and information.
``Tax-Aide's aim is to help senior citizens save some money,'' McCullough said. Often, a volunteer will help an older person realize he or she no longer needs to file or can avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of a house.
"Because tax laws are so confusing and often change from year to year, people can't file the way they did a few years ago," McCullough said.
VITA is similar to Tax-Aide in its aims and process, but assists a broader range of people. The program counsels older people, as well as those with disabilities and non-English speakers. The program, IRS spokesman Mike Roscoe said, is designed for people who need extra help but can't afford to have their tax forms prepared by a paid accountant. The VITA volunteers are trained only to prepare the 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ forms.
Three-quarters of VITA's volunteers are retirees. Volunteers must be able to fill out their own tax form and complete an eight-hour training course. Each site has an IRS supervisor who reviews the forms.
Roanoke certified public accountant Jane Schipper, who has volunteered for VITA since 1984, says she got involved because she likes doing other people's taxes.
"Tax laws should be easy enough for everyone to do," she said. "They're way too complicated, except for people like me who are trained."
Many of the LOA's volunteers are also retirees. They must complete a four-week training course that meets on Saturdays in late December and January. At the end of the training program each year, the volunteers must pass a test designed by the IRS. ``It's a little quality control,'' said district coordinator Jim Kastner.
Taxpayers interested in using either service should make an appointment and arrive prepared with this year's tax package, wage and earnings statements, interest statements from banks and a copy of last year's income tax return.
For those taxpayers who don't qualify for either VITA or Tax-Aide, the IRS offers free help at the Poff Federal Building in downtown Roanoke from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, taxpayers may call (800)829-1040 with questions.
``Don't wait until the last minute, though,'' IRS spokesman Mike Roscoe said. ``If you wait until April 14, you're going to be standing in line or sitting on hold.''
1997 VITA Sites
Roanoke
Raleigh Court Library, 853-2240
Gainsboro Library, 853-2540
Melrose Library, 853-2648
Roanoke County
Hollins Library, 561-8024
Vinton Library, 857-5043
Headquarters library on Virginia 419 (walk in only)
Botetourt County
Blue Ridge Library, 977-3433
Roanoke Valley Tax-Aide sites
Brambleton Center
3738 Brambleton Ave. S.W.
For appointment, call 772-7505
Feb. 5-April 10
Wed. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Thurs. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Melrose Towers LOA Office
3038 Melrose Ave. N.W.
For appointment, call 344-1065
between 9 a.m. and noon.
Feb. 4 - April 15
Tues. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Northminster Presbyterian Church
3911 Greenland Ave. N.W.
For appointment, call 774-5801
Feb. 5-April 9
Wed. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Nazareth Church
2505 Electric Road S.W.
For appointment, call 774-5801
Feb. 10-April 13
Sat. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Presbyterian Community Center
1228 Jamison Ave. S.E.
For appointment, call 985-0809
between 9 a.m. and noon.
Feb. 3-April 14
Mon. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Raleigh Court United Methodist Church
1706 Grandin Road S.W.
For appointment, call 345-0451
Feb. 6 - April 10
Thurs. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Salem Senior Center
110 Union St.
For appointment, call 387-3325
between 9 a.m. and noon.
Feb. 5-April 9
Wed. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Craig Ave. Recreation Center
900 Chestnut Ave., Vinton
For appointment, call 857-5035
Feb. 20, March 6 and 20, April 10
1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Fincastle Community Center
Main Street
For appointment, call LOA, 345-0451 884-2303. Tax questions can be taken by phone on counseling days at 473-8314.
Harrison Museum of African American Culture
523 Harrison Ave. N.W.
For appointment, call 345-4818
March 7, 21 and 22, April 11
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Allegany Highlands Area
Clifton Forge, VA
For appointment, call 863-2521
Time and Place TBA
Cocington Senior Center
1011 N. Rockbridge Ave.
Covington, VA 24426
For appointment, call 965-6363
Feb. 3 - April 14
Mon., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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