Taking Time by Rebecca Escott The April IRS Clock Is Ticking Tax time is just around the corner for consumers. Many peo ple have already filed their taxes and are waiting for refunds, but if you haven’t done yours yet, be sure to review some of the deductions and rules that may help you this year. First of all, the 1998 tax year introduced a “Child Tax Credit.” This is in addition to the normal exemptions that taxpayers claim for each of their children. This maximum $4OO deduction applies to each child under the age of 17. Be sure to complete the appropriate form to claim this credit. There are two important pro- | “ pggjsfjfflOl * % gyfß $ jk / (canted) front curio ' FULLY UPHOLSTERED ' <& oak or Ch F-i L rl ->gyg- —»- —. A* | •T* ■ includes Ladder and safety XL^Sn~*‘ —i nCJ | f ;w- ~ •v 1 *.| rails. Bedding Sold | ’ A, Separately, Brwiks Down To ' *rice *209" #2 1 * * * * * * * * ♦ * * * ♦ * ♦ * ♦ * ♦ * * * r SOFAfie LOVESEAT CLOSEOUf N l • Fairview Arbor Green 1 ! Reg. Retail $2100.00 Our Cash Price $749 95 | i Special Closeout . L‘ ' 88 #21 1 5 DRAWER CHEST Maple Finish =-S I Reg. Pnce: $399.95 I Cash Price: —S__ s s9® s hj- | Closeout C— # 2^ Closeout i., ■Sit 1 ’ • Almond/Brass I ' i '■ • Qla ** Top I 'jW ’THin • 30"x60” T»bta 1 w'SLI Reg. Retail $469.95 I 1 r SpCi ISPfy Our Low Price i • , WhEi» ! M 39 95 #2 l grams available for families in the lower tax brackets. You may be eligible for deductions and refunds, but they don’t come automatically (even if your return indicates that your income level qualifies you.) You must fill out special forms. Workers who were raising one child in their home and had family income of less than $26,473 in 1998 can get an “earned income credit” of up to $2,271. The income and credit levels is larger for families with more children. There is a small er benefit for workers not rais ing children, but only those peo ple earning less than $10,030 would qualify. To get this credit, you must file a “Schedule EIC.” You may get a refund even if you don’t owe federal income tax, even if you are not required to file a tax return, but to get the refund, you must file the speci fied schedule. Families in lower tax brack ets may also qualify for Pennsylvania’s “Tax Forgiveness Program ” If you are a single parent with two children and your income in 1998 is $19,000, you will have $532 in state income taxes taken out of your paychecks. You can get all of this money back through the forgiveness pro gram when you file your state tax return. The income levels increase to $30,900 for a mar ried couple with three children offering forgiveness of $865.20. These programs were created to support families who were transitioning from welfare back to the full-time workforce, but other families may qualify. The whole tax filing process seems to change every year. Each year my husband and I think we have a handle on how much withholding we need, and we always seem to miss the mark because our family needs and incomes change all the time. That may be the way it is for you too, and filing your taxes may SECTIONAL ' SLEEPER I r " i Featuring a Loveseat ■ w/Slde-By-Slde Recllners and Center I Reg. Retail $2389 95 Console Plus Sofa , Our Cash Pric* $ 1049 95 w/Hld * a ' Bed ( t With Coupon $ 889 04 ; 4 DRAWER CHEST M Pine Finish and Brass Hardware S—jfegSS, Reg Ret $149 95 CASHPRICE W Ul C °4f° N mm $69.95 $39°4 rggSf I k Bid SELECTION OF WOOD ft METAL BUTK BEDS HUNDHEDS OF OTHER ITEMSI 3019 Hampland Rotl, Lsncastf 397-6241 chiln not with *ny oth*r ' Stor*.ln LANCASTER • YORK • CARLISLE PA • ELKTON MD LANCASTER STORE HOURS Mon-Frl 9-9 • S»t 9-6* Sun Noon*6 No R«tund# No Exchange# Fc putcha##* with a ehack bring FINANCING No Exohang## drlv#r# llc#n## and phon# number# AVAILABLE Caoh A Carry Not r««pcrn bto for rypogh*cal wrur* W» r### If you do get a refund this year, do yourself a favor - don’t go on a shopping spree Instead, make a long-term investment with the money Pay down a credit card balance, pay extra on your car or student loan, or put a few extra bucks in your sav ings account Care during club meetings, field trips, and participation in regional and statewide 4-H Horse events as well as leader ship opportumties through club responsibilities. Instruction is available for basic horsemanship, including walk and trot. Instruction is offered in sessions of four class meetings per session The pro gram includes practicing the care of the horses, stables and tack, riding time, and learning horse science such as nutritional needs, anatomy, and breeds There are two levels of instruc tion depending on class size with costs ranging from $B5 to $l5O for each session of four classes To request a brochure which describes these programs in detail, call the Cooperative Extension office at (610) 690- 2655