Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE)

Need help with your taxes? The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE) of the Alliance on Aging provides free assistance in preparing state and federal tax forms to Monterey County residents 60 years of age or older, blind, or disabled. The service begins on February 1, of each year throughout the County.

TCE is a service of the Alliance in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board of the State of California. Volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to prepare simple federal forms as well as State tax returns.

Free electronic filing (e-filing) is available. Check with the Alliance on Aging office closest to you to make arrangements to e-file.

Taxpayers wanting to take advantage of this volunteer assistance program should bring the following with them when they visit a TCE site:

• Picture identification and social security card
• A copy of last year's federal and state tax returns
• Form W-2, “Wage and Tax Statement,” from each employer
• Forms 1099, for such things as interest or dividends distributions from pensions annuities, IRA's, sales of stocks, etc.;
• A list of other income and expenses;
• Social Security Income Statments; and
• All other information pertinent to this year’s tax return.

TCE volunteers will be available at the following locations starting Feburary 1, 2008:

Carmel

Salinas

Bay Federal Credit Union (1459 N. Davis Rd., Salinas, CA 93907 Phone 831-655-1334) By Appointment Only

Oldemeyer Senior Center (986 Hilby Avenue, Seaside, CA 93955 Phone 831-655-1334) By appointment Only

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What is Homeowners’ and Renter’s Assistance?

Effective July 1, 2006, the Homeowners’ Assistance Program gives people 62 or older, blind or disabled, and who have a total household income of less than $40,811.00, a once-a-year reimbursement of a percentage of their property taxes. The Renters’ Assistance Program does the same for people who pay property taxes indirectly in the form of rent.

You may file a claim if:

• You were 62 or older on December 31, 2005, or blind or disabled
• You paid $50 or more rent per month in 2005 (Renters Assistance) or owned and lived in your own home on December 31, 2005 (Homeowner Assistance)
• Your total household income for 2005 was $40,811.00 or less
• You are a U.S. Citizen, a designated alien, or qualified alien whe you file your claim.

EVERYONE MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF 2005 INCOME: (2005 income taxes; social security award letter or 2005 bank statement). First time applicants must submit proof of disability with claim form if disabled. Please bring in any paperwork that you receive from the Franchise Tax Board.

Trained volunteers and Alliance on Aging staff are available to file a claim form at the following locations:

• Salinas Office of the AoA at 36 Quail Run Circle Suite 100P, Salinas CA 93907 by appointment, call 831-758-2811 or 1-800-510-2020.
• Monterey Office of the AoA, 280 Dickman Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940 by appointment only, call 831-646-1458 or 1-800-510-2020.
• Oldemeyer Senior Center (986 Hilby Avenue, Seaside, CA 93955 Phone 831-899-6800) Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon (Walk-in Only)
• South County by appointment, call 1-800-510-2020

For general questions about Homeowners’ and Renters’ Assistance, please call 1-800-510-2020.

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Other Programs of the Alliance on Aging

• Senior Employment
• Information and Assistance
• Senior Peer Counseling
• Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP)
• Homeshare
• Ombudsman
• e-mail Our Staff
• Return to Home Page

For information on any of these programs, call 1-800-510-2020 toll free from anywhere in Monterey County. Or call:

• (831) 646-1458 in Monterey
• (831) 758-2811 in Salinas
• (831) 385-0557 in South County