Local News - Feb. 1, 2017

Free tax preparation assistance

Press release

With another tax season here, people with low to moderate income can receive free assistance preparing taxes.

The program is for people of all ages, but is sponsored by AARP Foundation and IRS-trained volunteers will meet with people Mondays and Tuesdays at North Central Senior Center at 2 Second St. W. from Feb. 6 to April 11

Volunteers, knowledgeable about many aspects of tax law including the Affordable Care Act and its impact on tax returns, will provide help preparing and electronically filing federal and Montana state returns, usually in one visit, a press release from the foundation says. And people who are not sure if they need to file, want to know about qualifying for elderly homeowner/renter credit, of have general tax questions can call, too.

Last year, 177 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped nearly 12,000 taxpayers at more than 27 sites across Montana file taxes, the release says.

For an appointment, people can call the Senior Center at 265-5464. They should be prepared with their Social Security card, last year’s taxes and all forms needed to prepare taxes. Taxpayers 62 and older also need to bring real estate taxes for their home or a signed letter from their landlord listing the amount of rent.

Park board looks to fill positions

Havre Daily News staff

The Hill County Park Board has put out a call for people looking to work with the board in a few positions.

Some are for a new committee that will help the board plan and set its budget and finances each year.

The board said in a press release that at its November meeting it approved the formation of a Finance and Planning Committee. This committee will provide recommendations to the Hill County Park Board on matters such as Beaver Creek Park fees, budgeting, grant writing and other fundraising, and facilitating the development of a multi-year plan for implementing these goals.

The board set requirements that members must have a genuine interest in Hill County parks and the financial well-being of Beaver Creek Park. Meetings may be held as often as monthly.

The other position is on the board itself.

The Park Board is charged with the responsibility for the oversight of several Hill County parks, most notably Beaver Creek Park. Meetings are held the first nonholiday Monday of each month at 5:30 pm.

Anyone who is interested in either position can contact the Hill County Commissioners Office at the Hill County Courthouse, 265-5421, ext. 227, or the Beaver Creek Park Office at Camp Kiwanis, 395-4565, for a complete list of applicable duties.