Help with taxes coming soon for Vernon County seniors

Vernon County seniors are once again being urged to participate in the Circuit Breakers program at the Vernon County Senior Center, 301 N. Main St., Nevada. Mo., beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m.-noon. Assistance will be available every Wednesday through mid-April, according to a Care Connection for Aging Services press release.

The Circuit Breakers program, otherwise known as the MO-Property Tax Credit allows seniors to apply for rebates on real estate taxes, rent for a primary residence, personal property taxes paid on a primary residence mobile home or for housing payments for nursing home or assisted living facilities.

To be eligible for the program, the taxpayer must be 65 or older as of Dec. 31, 2008 and a Missouri resident for the entire year or 100 percent disabled or 60 years of age or older as of Dec. 31, 2008, and receiving surviving spouse, Social Security benefits.

Renters with a household income of less than $27,500 for single persons and $29,500 for married couples may be eligible for a rebate of up to $750. Homeowners with an annual income of less than $30,000 for singles and $34,000 for married couples may qualify for rebates up to $1,100.

Taxpayers filing for the Circuit Breaker will need to bring a paid real estate tax receipt or verification of all moneys paid for housing on an official letterhead or document with your landlord's signature, address, Social Security number or FEIN and phone number. Taxpayers also should bring a paid personal property tax receipt.

If your property is more than five acres you will need a document from the County Assessor showing the homestead portion. One hundred percent service disabled veterans must have a letter of proof from the Department of Veterans Affairs to exclude VA income. If you were unaware of this program, you can back file as far back as 2005 if you have the proper documentation and meet the eligibility requirements

Care Connection, a not for profit group, administers this program in 13 counties in Missouri.

The organization serves as a "conduit for the state and federal money that flows to services for the aging," said Kathy Ray-Smith, Ombudsman for Care Connection.

There is already a sign up sheet available at the Senior Center. "We've had quite a few phone calls so far," said Sylvia Ackley, Vernon County Senior Center coordinator. There were an estimated 200 people assisted with Circuit Breakers last year, so Ackley expects that "the phone will ring off the wall," when people learn that the service is again available.

Anyone interested in setting up an appointment for Circuit Breakers or assistance filing their taxes can call the Vernon County Seniors Center at (417) 667-5847.

The Senior Center will place your name on the list and call you to set up an appointment.