Newspapers / The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, … / Feb. 12, 1987, edition 1 / Page 12
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Local News Tips on tax preparation and benefits for senior citizens When taxpayers reach the age of 85, they become eligible for several special tax benefits. Knowing about these credits and other tax tips can help seniors avoid paying more taxes than necessary, according to the North Carolina Association of CPAs. One very important source of in come to most senior citizens is their Social Security benefits. To qualify for these benefits, eligible taxpayers must register three months prior to their 65th birthday. However, tax payers who elect to retire early at the age of 62 may also collect Social Se curity benefits at a reduced rate. . But just because you decide to re tire and collect Social Security bene fits does not mean that you have to stop working altogether. Senior citi zens can still continue to work and collect these benefits as long as they do not exceed income requirements. Persons between the age of 65 and 70 are allowed up to $7,800 of income in 1986 while still collecting full bene fits Those age 70 or above can work and earn as much as they want and still receive full benefits. When seniors receive money from sources other than wages they might find that it will affect the taxability of their Social Security benefits. When income from interest, dividends or pensions exceeds a base figure, bene fits become taxable. The size of your monthly benefit check determines how much you can earn before you begin paying taxes on it To find out whether or not you owe taxea on your Social Security benefits, complete the worksheet on page U of the in strutcion booklet accompanying IRS form 1040. Single taxpayers 65 or older do not have to file a tax return unless their gross income is $4,640 or more in 1986. Married couples where one spouse is 65 or older do not have to file unless their joint gross income is $6,910 or more. If both spouses in a married couple are 65 or older, to Senior center news February 12, Bible Study, 1:30 3:30; Feb. 13, Blood Pressure Clinic, 9-12 and 2-5; Feb. 16, Memory Lane Club Luncheon at Western Steer in Elizabeth City, 11:30; Feb. 17, Bible Study, 1:30-3:30; Feb. 18, Bingo, 2-4 p.m. Last week's bingo winners were Kathleen Brennaman and Mona Sadler CLUB Memory Senior Citizens Club of Perquimans County met on Monday, January 19, 1987, at the Senior Center with the president, Mrs. Lib Thach, presiding. There were 23 members present. Devotions were presented by Eve lyn Benton who first read to us the First Psalm. After a meditation on this, she closed with a prayer. Reading of the minutes of Novem ber 17, 1986, was waive. Treasurer Mae McKaye reported an opening balance o January 19, 1987, of $31.00. A contribution of $12.00 from Annibel Whitley had been received. Card Chairman Mattie Mathews reported cards she had sent out and listed cards to be sent Birthdays: December birthday honorees were: Evelyn Benton and Pearle Swayne. The January honor ees were; Mae McKaye and Lillie Mae Pritchard. They were serenaded with the birthday song. ? Lib read a letter from Lee Riddick, Area Aging Commissioner, relative to job for senior citizens. Anyone de siring to work should contract him for details and information. For those who may be interested in bowling, seniors may play at the al ley in Elizabeth City on Mondays at 1 p.m. for $1.00 per person. The Breakfast Club will meet at the Hertford Cafe on Tuesday, January 27, at 8 a.m. Lib will be able to advise the Club on our commission from sales at the meeting in November of Watkin Products at our February or March meeting. At that time we can decide whether or not we wish to sell the products. Sales of raffle tickets on the Quilt have been moderately good. It was decided to postpone the drawing for the winner until the March meeting. New member Addie Keegan was welcomed by the Club. Actually, Ad die is a former member returning to us. It was decided to go out for lun cheon at the Western Steer in Eliza beth City on our February meeting date, the 16th. Watch the newspapers for the time. Following the meeting the mem bers enjoyed refreshments provided by Evelyn Benton. SOCCER Jesse Williams, Selma Miller, Ricky Kelly, Edward Wyenandt, Wednesday Wyenandt, Maurice Shannonhouse, Kevin Roberts, Don nie Markham, Jessica Warrener, Curtis Whitehurst, Martin White hurst, Shelma Miller, Amber Curies, Andre Riddick, Jamie Haskett, Ti neya White; Coach, Willie Shannon house. Cocaine traffic increases RALEIGH? A substantial increase in the cocaine trade in North Caro lina is reflected in an approximate 44 percent increase in the number of cases submitted to the State Bureau of Investigation's laboratory facili ties, SBI Director Robert Morgan an nounced today. Statistics, based on the number of cocaine samples submitted lo our laboratory for analysis, shows the number of cases worked by SBI and other drug agencies continues to climb despite the intensive efforts to curb the illegal traffic on both dealer and user levels. Director Morgan said. The statistics, just compiled, show that the main SBI drug laboratory in Raleigh and its Western branch in Ashe vile analyzed 3,303 cocaine sam ples from January through decern - ber, 1986, as compared to 2,294 for the same period in 1965. This was an increase of just under 44 per cent. In addition, since "crack" was broken out in to a sepa rate analysis category last July there were 74 samples of the newest co caine based deriviative submitted for analysis. At least one or more cocaine sam ples were submitted for laboratory testing from 95 of the State's 100 counties. On an individual county basis, the most cocaine cases came from: Wake-387; Guilford-293; Cuberland 278; Durham-253; Robeson-119; Pitt Ill; Alamance-93; New Hanover-93; Catawba -84; and Onslow-77. Drug laboratory technicians pointed out that many of the samples being submitted are showing a higher quality cocaine than in the past. The 74 samples of "crack", identi fied separately over the last six months of the yar, were confined to 16 counties with Harnett-21; Lenoir - 13; and Pitt-9, showing the highest number of cases. "These figures represent com bined and well coordinated efforts on the part of local law enforcement agencies, the SBI, Special Drug Task forces, and other State and Federal agencies," Morgan said. "Even though our emphasis to cur tail the narcotic traffic increases da ily, these statistics indicate we are still losing ground," the Director added, "and this means that we must increase our efforts even more." "Our major requests to the upcom ing General Assembly session next month will emphasize additional funding to combat this major prob lem, he said, and we are committing all the time and manpower possible to combat the drug traffic by keeping constant pressure on dealers, push ers and users." getter they can earn up to 97,980 be fore they have to file a return. In any of these situations, taxpayers must file a return to receive any refunds. Gran income includes item* such as salary or wages, interest or divi dends, partnership income, annuity income, capital gains, certain distri butions from pension plans or gains from the sale of your home. In cer tain circumstances, taxes on these forma of income can be reduced by claiming certain tax credits and ex clusions. For example, if you are 56 years or older and sold your home in liN, you may avoid taxes on profits of up to $135,000. To qualify for this tax exclu sion, not only must you or your spouse be 55 yean or older at the time of sale, but you must elect to take this exclusion, which is only of fered once in a lifetime, and have lived in the home as a principal resi dence for three out of the past five years. If you decided at the time of the sale to invert the money in another home of equal or greater coat to com pletely defer the tax and then changed your mind, you can eject to take the $125,000 exclusion up to three year* after the sale. You may also change your mind in the other direc tion. If you sold your home and realised a smaller gain than the $125,000 al lowed, you need to carefully decide whether or not you want to take the exclusion for the smaller amount. Remember, you are only allowed to take this exclusion once In your life time. If you take the exclusion and then invest in a home that increases in value, you will have to pay taxes on the entire gain if you sell in the future. There are other tax benefits avail able only to older Americans. If you are 65 or older, or if you are under 66 and totally disabled, you may qualify for a special tax credit. Known as the credit for the elderly or ?" ? ta?1 T? h*? ? individuals can reduce their tax bills depending on the amount ef tax-free Social Secu rity benefits they receive, their ad Justed gross income and their filing status. Working with a standard base figure set by the IRS, the credit is fig ured aa 15 percent at this base after reductions. The base amount, ft, 000 for single filers, 16,000 for Joint filers where only one spouse is eligible, 17,500 for joint filers where both are eligible and $3,790 for separate filers, is re duced by the amount of income re ceived through tax-free Social Secu rity benefits, tax-free pension, annuity or (Usability income paid through the Veterans' Administra tion, certain other tax-free pensions or annuity income and one-half of ad justed gross income in excess of 97,500 for single filers, $10,000 for joint filers, and $5,000 for separate filers. TO apply (or this credit, eligible! taxpayers must file a Schedule K* with Farm 1040. The calculations are relatively simple and the form is self explanatory. Along with these credits, senior dt izens are eligible for an exemption simply based on their age. All tax payers, no matter what their age, are entitled to take a personal exemption worth $1,080. However, taxpayers 65 and older on or before January 1, 19871 qualify for an additional exmemp tioo. Joint filers can take two additio nal exemptions if both are 65 or older. It has been said that old age is a reward in itself. But in taxes, there are many other rewards as well. If you or someone you know can qualify for any of these deductions but you need more information, contract a certified public accountant or the IRS to get full details. The time and ] effort will be worth it. * Sealed ai the head table with District Ruritan officers, Al bemarle District Ruritan Governor Sam Walker, from Coinjock Ruritan Club pre sides over the District Meet ing held recently in Hertford. Arthritis Foundation publishes magazine Americans with arthritis now have a new source for the most up-to-date information about their disease. It's a magazine called "Arthritis To day," which is now published six times a year by the Arthritis Founda tion. The first issue was distributed to about 000,000 homes across the country during the first two weeks of January, 1987. "There are almost 40 million Americans who have a form of ar thritis," said Betsey Brewster Case, who serves as national chairman of the Arthritis Foundation and who herself has rheumatoid arthritis. "They aad their families want to know the latest about arthritis re search and treatment, and they want to know how to best overcome their disease in everyday living. The Ar thritis Foundation's official new membership magazine gives that and much more." "Arthritis Today" is the best source for the most current informa tion about new research, products, medications and treatments. There are also practical tips for making the person with arthritis more comfort able, independent and productive. "Arthritis Today" replaces the news letter-style publication titled "Na tional Arthritis News," which has been the Arthritis Foundation's offi cial membership publication since 1980. "The tone of our magazine is very upbeat and positive," said Ms. Case. "We want to show people that they don't have to be depressed or give up on life just because they have arthri tis. 'Arthritis Today' allows people with arthritis to regain control over their body and to improve their frame of mind." The magazine deals with the finan cial and emotitional concerns of peo ple who have arthritis, as well as with the physical aspects of having arthritis. For example, upcoming is sues will feature articles about ob taining health insurance, commu nicating with family members and accessibility to public places. Each issue will also provide practical in formation, such as tips on travel, exercise and medications. "Most people who have arthritis must live with it for the rest of their life," said Ms. Case. "We at the Ar thritis Foundation show them how to live in the most pain-free and most productive ways possible." "Arthritis" is the term for a group of about 100 related diseases that in clude rheumatoid arthritis, os teoarthritis, gout, lupus, bursitis and spinal arthritis. For information about "Arthritis Today," write to the Arthritis Foundation, NC Division at 3115 Guess Road, Durham, N.C. 27706. Local Ruritans hold district meeting The Albemarle District Run tan Clubs held their Annual Organizatio nal Meeting on January 29, 1967 at the ARPDC Building in Hertford Al bemarle District Governor Sam Walker officiated over the eighteen clubs represented a the meeting. The members of Chowan Ruritan Gub presented the program on mem bership recruting and retention. Each club was then called upon to share what their club was doing to promote the objectives of Run tan: Fellowship, Godwill and Community Service. The clubs reported that they would'" continue to sponsor pig pickin's fish frys, Bar-B-Ques, Yard Sales, Auc tions and the like to raise the funds needed to carry out their community projects. human services budget cont'd. federal funding. The department's top priority? the expansion of the state's workfare program for welfare recipients? re ceived the full endorsement of the Governor $1.6 in state funds, added to federal and local funds, will pro vide mandatory work experience in 64 counties. The program currently exists in approximately 30 North Car olina counties. Senior citizens will see a big in crease in the funding of adult day care if the General Assembly ap proves the Governor's $1.4 million in increased funding. "This is impor tant in helping senior citizens stay out of expensive institutional care," Kirk noted. Other senior citizen ini tiatives will be financed through block grant programs which will be submitted to the General Assembly later. "Governor Martin recognizes the need to accelerate our efforts to im prove our infant mortality rate to to the tune of more than $6 million over the next two yuears," the DHR chief noted. Programs for children continue to occupy a very high priority in our ad miniistration," Kirk noted. "As a di rect result of the Governor's Com mission on Child Victimization, chaired by First Lady Dottie Martin, we are seeking more funding for pre vention of child abuse, permanency planning, early intervention, in creased training for protective serv ice workers, support for child care institutions, increased services for emotiocally disturbed children, im proved monitoring of day care for children, and better training for day care providers." New funding for the state's first Birth Defects Registry and Cancer Registry are also included in the Martin budget. Money to fund and ex panded Western Regional Medical Examiner's Office in Charlotte and additional staff for Hazardous Waste Management highlight expansionin public health. Funds to replace part of the lost federal money for the health plan ning and certificate of need are also included. Putting the pre-school visually-im paired on the same level with pre school hearing -impaired is accom plished in the Governor's budget. An early intervention program prior to school-age would prepare these chil dren for learning readiness by devel-J oping their social skills, mobility skills and communications ability as well as allowing their families to bet ter understand the needs and abili ties of the visually-impaired child. In addition 102 teacher aides in the Schools for the Deaf will be eligible to participate in the State's retirement and hospitalizatin programs, a bene fit aleady available to teacher aides in the public school system. Independent Living opportui ties'" through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services will be pro vided at two additional independent Living Centers. Two existing centers are located in Charlotte and Winston Salem. Sites under consideration in clude Asheville, Greenville, Gauette ville, and Research Triangle Park area. Each center will serve approxi mately 50 physically handicapped in dividuals. ' s "Because of past neglect of our ju venile training schools, the Governor is recommending nearly $1 million to improve facilities and programs," Kirk noted. "This is welcome news to our overworked staffs who are serv ing additional numbers of young peo ple with serious and complex prob lems." Kirk pointed out that the Depart ment recommended some reductions which enabled the increased support r for new and expanded programs. Re ductions in funding for abortions, changes in the juvenile code, pre-ad mission screening for medicaid hos pital admissions, federal certifica tion of additional beds at Western Carolina Center and Caswell Center, cancellation of unnecessary contrac tual services with various providers, rural health center construction and operational subsidies total approxi mately $12 million. / Governor Martin also is recom mending nearly $13 million for weatherization assistance and $3 mil lion for energy assistance payments for the poor. The Department will recommend additional funding through its block grant program. Kirk concluded, "The Department of Human Resources serves every citizen of our state. That's why >re are often called the people's depart ment. ( If you've been disturbed by sudden flash** in your eyes, this may M caused by on irritation of the retina. The retina is a layer of light-sensitive cells located in the back of the eve. When it Is stimulated (or in this cases irritated) it is capa ble of sending only one sensation to the brain: light. Just as the nerves In other organs have specific purposes ? the ear for re ceiving sounds, the nose of smell and so forth ? light Is the only sensation the retina can transmit. Even if the retina was pricked with a sharp pin, the only sensation it would transmit to this brain would be a flash of light. Even a tiny pull on the retina or a momentary stress on a tiny Wood vessel caused by a slight rise in blood pressure may result in a flash of Mght to the brain. An occasional flash may be harmless. But It may also be an early warning of detachment of the retina, which car. cause serious vision problems. Only an examination by your eye specialist con determine the cause and how It can best be Dr. A*F. DOWNUM 103 W. Kd#n St. ?dmtton, N.C. Phoni 4S2
The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, N.C.)
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Feb. 12, 1987, edition 1
12
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