Assistance Offered on Tax Preparation

The American Assn. of Retired Persons and the Internal Revenue Service will provide free income tax assistance for senior citizens and low-income residents in western Ventura County through April 15.

“It’s a positive feeling to know that we are helping people out that already don’t have enough money to pay a tax preparer,” said Bill Desposato, a volunteer tax aide coordinator.

For 20 years, AARP volunteers have helped residents with basic tax filings. Last year, 1,244 people in Ventura County took advantage of the help.

The service, which is available at senior centers and other locations, is provided through grants from the IRS and AARP, Desposato said.

About 30 volunteers--most of them retired professionals--will help people complete their tax forms and prepare them for mailing.

Senior citizens and low-income residents who do not have complicated sources of income and revenue are eligible for tax assistance, Desposato said. Those who own several properties or a large business will not qualify.

Residents are asked to bring tax records from 1998 and 1999 to provide volunteers with the financial information necessary to prepare tax filings.

While there is no stated minimum yearly income to qualify for low-income status, volunteers will use 1998 filings to assess a person’s financial standing.

Volunteers do not accept donations, but people can make contributions to the senior centers that host the program. AARP requests that people call ahead to schedule an appointment at one of the following west county locations and times:

* Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. 648-3035. Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

* Ventura Village Green, 6500 Telephone Road, Ventura. 642-4500. Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

* Wilson Senior Center, 350 North C St., Oxnard. 385-8028. Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

* Fox Realty, 5800 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 126, Camarillo. 987-4369. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.

* Fillmore Senior Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. 524-4533. Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.