Guilderland Senior News for Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of Jan. 9. Call the senior office at 280-7607 with any questions or for information. The new location for senior services is 141 Bavarian Way, Altamont, NY 12009. Transportation’s phone number is 356-2920.

— Monday: Scheduled shopping, aerobics at 9 a.m., Strong Bones Plus and senior fitness at 10:30 a.m.;

— Tuesday: Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m., luncheon of fish fillet on whole wheat bun or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., and Bingo/Rummikub at 12:30 p.m.;

— Wednesday:  Scheduled shopping, senior strength and balance at 9 a.m., Strong Bones Plus and senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., needlecraft at 1 p.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 1:30 p.m.; 

— Thursday:  Scheduled shopping, Silver Sneakers and Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m., Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch at 10 a.m., Mahjongg and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m.; and

— Friday: Scheduled shopping, painting at 10 a.m., advanced bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.

Strong Bones Plus classes are held at the town hall.

Transportation

When the Guilderland schools are closed due to inclement weather, all scheduled shopping trips and scheduled medical appointments will be cancelled. You will now find the listing on the local television stations:  “Guilderland Senior Programs-No Transportation.”

When the Guilderland schools are listed as delayed in opening, we will still provide transportation and but may be delayed due to road conditions.  

HEAP program

People with monthly incomes under: $2300 for one person or $3007 for two people, etc. are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program called HEAP. This grant can be received each heating season and goes directly to the heating company. The amount of the payment to each person is determined by income, living expenses and type of fuel.  Applications are available at the Senior Center. We can help complete applications by appointment.

AARP Tax Aid program

Beginning Monday Feb. 6 through Monday, April 16, free income tax preparation and e-mail filing will be provided Mondays and Saturdays at the Guilderland Public Library by the all-volunteer AARP Tax Aid Program. Volunteers are trained and certified in cooperation with the IRS, and prepare personal Federal and NYS income tax returns for taxpayers of all ages with low and moderate incomes. Appointments are necessary; a separate appointment is required for each taxpayer. Bring a copy of last year’s return, social security cards for all people on the tax return, photo ID, all 2016 W-2’s, 1099 statements, sold investments’ with purchase dates and cost basis, and supporting documents if itemizing deductions. Also, if these apply, bring supporting documents for any gambling winnings, medical insurance coverage, payments for any child care, payments for education, contributions to an IRA, and estimated tax payments you made during 2016. Bring your checkbook if you want a direct deposit of your refund.  Tax Aide volunteers can’t do estate or partnership returns, returns with rental income or returns requiring Schedule C (business returns with a net loss, inventory, employees, or expenses over $25,000.)  Both taxpayers must be present if filing a joint return, except in case of illness or infirmity.  

The 2-1-1 Appointment Call Center will open on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. you may request your appointment beginning on this date and time.  

For an appointment call 211.

Property tax exemption

For persons 65 years of age or who will be 65 years of age in this year.  

Persons whose annual total income is less than $37,400 may qualify for a partial property tax exemption, based upon their 2016 income. An application must be filed by March 1. Income includes: pension, social security, bank interest, and dividends and all other income. It is necessary to provide proof of the following: deed, birth certificates of owners, pension forms, social security (white form), and income tax form. All owners must sign the forms. Please call the assessor’s office for information on veterans or disability exemptions.

STAR program 

Homeowners may be eligible for a school property tax relief on their primary residence only. The STAR credit or exemption applies only to the school district tax, not to other property taxes such as county, town, or city. To receive a new STAR credit, you must register with NYS Tax & Finance at 518-457-2036 or at www.tax.ny.gov. If you already have a STAR exemption you may file an application for an Enhanced STAR exemption with the town assessor who is located in the Guilderland town hall. The “enhanced” program is available to persons 65 years of age and older with income for 2015 under $86,000.  For additional information, please contact the town of Guilderland assessor’s office at 356-1980.