Volunteers to provide free tax prep for older, disabled residents in Westmoreland

Older residents and those who have a lower income or disability can turn to a program organized by Westmoreland County Community College if they need help preparing a simple income tax return.

The free assistance will be available by appointment only, beginning Monday, Feb. 15, at five locations in the county: Hempfield, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Latrobe and West Newton.

The college’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has lined up 34 trained and tested volunteers to provide the tax preparation service. It’s available as part of the AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, which offers free tax help to people who can’t afford professional assistance.

Among those served are residents 60 or older.

The college noted this year’s service will be offered on a limited basis, given the pandemic guidelines in place to prevent the spread of covid-19.

Those receiving assistance will be required to follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and should not arrive more than five minutes before their appointment. Masks must be worn, and social distancing will be enforced.

Walk-ins won’t be permitted.

“The health, safety and security of volunteers, staff and community members is a top priority,” the college said.

Taxpayers should bring accurate records, income, interest and dividend statements, and copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns, to their appointment.

Program sites may be subject to closure in the event of bad weather.

Program volunteers help about 1,000 taxpayers each year in Westmoreland, according to Janet Corrinne-Harvey, executive director of marketing and communications at the college.

“They also fill out approximately 500 tax and rent rebate forms,” she said.

This year’s program sites include:

• Maplewood United Presbyterian Church, 108 Woodland Road, Hempfield (724-787-7813) — 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays;

• St. Agnes Church Resurrection Hall, 11400 St. Agnes Lane, North Huntingdon (724-420-3961) — 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays;

• Penn Area Library, 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City (Penn Township) (724-744-4414, ext. 0) — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays;

• Holy Family Church Social Hall (bottom level), 1200 Ligonier St., Latrobe (724-572-7009) — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Fridays;

• Lions Club, 507 Pittsburgh St., West Newton (724-872-4976 for Monday appointments; 724-684-3978 for Wednesday appointments) — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.