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P*GK * I'LAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1.1»83 PLAINDEALER"> Editorial Opinion Price-Gouging ylL 7 c . n the U.S., more people fly, at better fares, than in any other in the world, ut, unfortunately, all are subjected to a ripoff in most air terminals. Operators of outlets in these air terminals know they have customers at their mercy. Airports are always removed from business districts, so buyers can't step outside and find fair prices across the street-as was often the case with railroad terminals. So, retailers in most air terminals stick it to the traveling public. Fnces are often double what they should be. And there's no logical reason for this price- gouging, because business is brisk and shops are often crowded to capacity. In short, retail outlet operators in many big airports are making a killing, charging excessive prices, merely because customers can't go elsewhere to find fair prices. The public should do itself a favor and refrain from patronizing shops charging such exorbitant prices. Toll Free Tax Line Back In Service After March 1 The Illinois Department of Revenue's toll-free telephone lines will be back in service March l to assist Illinois taxpayers with their state tax questions. The department's 12 toll-free lines were disconnected Nov. 1,1982, for budgetary reasons. However, the 18 Chicago phone lines and five Springfield lines have remained in service. In addition, local offices, including Wauconda, continued to offer assistance to taxpayers. Approximately 500,000 persons call the department's information lines each year, withjphone calls during March and April reaching a peak each year of 15,000 &90,000 a^NHiK ~ gjfc Persons who need forms can write the Illinois Department of Revenue at Box 3545, Springfield, 111., 62708. Other questions can be answered through the Revenue regional offices or by phoning the Chicago or Springfield offices. Phone lines are open between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. week days. Numbers are Springfield, (217 ) 782-3336; Chicago, (312 ) 641-2150; and toll-free (800 ) 252-8972 (after March 1). Income tax and Circuit Breaker forms also are available at regional offices of the Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service, as well as at most county clerk's and many legislator's offices. 600 Low Income Families Request Fuel Assistance The McHenry County Housing Authority has received applications for fuel assistance from over 600 low income families, elderly or unem­ ployed residents of the county in the last three weeks. Eligibility is determined on the basis of income received in the household in the 90 days preceding application. Applicants must bring proof of their income for the preceding 90 days and a current fuel bill if they pay it themselves. Renters must bring the landlord's name and address. Special provisions such as home visits will be made for the elderly or disabled. Households and individuals may be eligible whose incomes do not exceed the following maximum last 90 days income: 1 person, $1,347; 2 persons, 1,783 ; 3 persons, 2,187; 4 persons, 2,668 ; 5 persons, 2,956; and 6 persons 3,231. McHenry county residents who feel they may qualify should call the McHenry County Housing Authority at 338-7752 and ask for Diane Kelly for further information. INCOME TAX FORMS I.R.S. and Illinois 1040 income tax forms are now available in State Rep. Dick Klemm's district office. Also available are instruction booklets along with various tax schedules which must be filed by some tax­ payers. Klemm's district office is located at 3 West Crystal Lake avenue, Crystal Lake, 111., 60014. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 815-455-6330. Income Tax QJMIMOf Lotteries On The Move The number of states turning to lotteries, to raise revenue, continues to increase. Since New Hampshire started the trend in 1964, With New York following in 1966,14 other states and the District of Columbia have begun state- operated lotteries. The latest two additions are Washington and the District of Columbia. And though lotteries haven't been established in any state in the Old South (traditionally the Bible or Protestant Belt), several legislatures there are now considering them as a means of raising much-needed revenue, among them Florida and Louisiana. Gov. Bob Graham in Florida opposes the idea but the state faces a growing deficit and supporters pushing the idea there think it would raise $200,000,000 annually. States usually get 35 to 40 percent of the total take, 45 or 50 percent goes to winners, and the rest is cost of operation. Other than the four lotteries already mentioned, other lotteries now exist in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois,Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. Despite the trend and the likelihood that more states will turn to lotteries, they are still controversial. Critics say those under 18 buy tickets easily, evading the law. They also claim that the poor spend the most on lotteries, and can least afford it. Two studies were somewnai contradictory. One, in Michigan, indicated the poor spent a far greater part of their income on lotteries, and that chances of hitting the jackpot are only about one in two million. A New York study indicated the wealthy more often bought lottery tickets. Some feel lotteries breed gamblers, some of whom become compulsive. Others feel people will gamble regardless--that the state might as well get the profits, rather than mobsters. In any event, the trend toward lotteries now seems irreversible. In addition to the states mentioned above, moves are afoot in Alabama, California, Iowa, New Mexico and other states to begin state lotteries as a means T)i raising revenue. It's estimated that in 1982 the various state lotteries grossed $4 billion-and several expect to increase their income considerably in 1983. Tax Counseling for Elderly Meets Special Taxpayer Needs While there are few things in life that are free, there's one thing for sure. It's tax counseling and assistance for per­ sons 60 years of age or more. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (f CE) is a program coordinated by the Internal Revenue Service through which non-profit organizations proyide free tax information and assistance to in­ dividuals age 60 and over. Volunteers are specially trained by IRS to help older Americans with the tax credit for the elderly, the double per­ sonal exemption, the special treatment of the gain on the sale of a home by an elderly person, the prooer method of reporting pension income and paying tax on it when necessary, and other sub­ jects of special interest and concern. These volunteers will even help tax­ payers fill out their tax returns. TCE programs are provided in neighborhood areas which makes get­ ting needed help easier and more conve­ nient. Taxpayers age 60 or over who re­ quire assistance should call IRS at I- 800-424-1040 for the nearest TCE I oca- tion. Residents of Alaska, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, District of Columbia should ca^Jhe local telephone company directory assistance operator and ask foc ^tj* telephone number for Internal Revenue Service, Taxpayer Education Coor­ dinator. Special Tax Benefits For Older Americans Older Americans are special because of their knowledge and experience. They are also in a unique situation financially. Many are retired and living on fixed incomes. Making ends meet is becoming increasingly difficult. To assist this rapidly growing segment of the nation's population, the tax laws of­ fer a number of special tax benefits. For instance, anyone 65 or older is en­ titled to an extra exemption of SI,000. This means an automatic additional reduction to income of $1,000 for single persons, and S2.00Q for a married cou­ ple. both 65 or older, who file a joint return. Do senior citizens have to file at all? In some cases, yes, since filing a tax return has nothing to do with age; it's income that decides that question. Single persons 6S or over do not have to file a federal income tax return if their income was less than S4.300. The limit for a married couple, filing a joint return, with only one spouse 65 or older, is S6.400; $7,400 if both spouses are 65 or over. For tax purposes, per­ sons are considered to be 65 on the day before their 65th birthday. An impor­ tant benefit to keep in mind is that Social Security payments are not tax­ able. The same holds true for Railroad Retirement benefits. Another special benefit is the "Credit for the Elderly. " The credit can in some cases, but not all, reduce taxes owed by as much as $375 for single persons and $562.50 for married couples who file a joint return. Although the credit generally applies to.persons 65 or older, it is available to those under 65, if they have a taxable pension from a public retirement system. Senior citizens who are thinking about selling their personal residence should consider the once-in-a-lifetime $125,000 exclusion of the,gain on the sale of their home. An awareness of the tax consequence is essential before sell­ ing a personal residence at any age, but doubly so for those age 55 or older to whom this benefit applies. Taxpayers needing assistance with their returns can turn to Tax Counseling for the Elderly, an IRS program through which organizational volun­ teers provide free tax information and assistance to individuals age 60 and over. You may obtain free publications by using the mail-order form in your tax package. Publications of special interest to older taxpayers include: 502 "Medical and Dental Ex­ penses" 505 "Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax" 523 "Tax Information on Sell­ ing Your Home" 524 "Credit for the Elderly" t 554 "Tax Benefits for Older Americans" 575 "Pension and Annuity in- i ? » > « come r i Home Town Awards Program °rcu"8reaker Forms Available Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Director Peter B. Fox has announced the availability of a booklet designed to aid Illinois communities wishing to participate in the 1983 Governor's Home Town Awards program. * "The guide is actually a compilation of 85 community projects which took part in the program last year," Fox said. "The Governor's Home Town Project Guide outlines what local volunteer groups were involved in each project and what they ac­ complished." The awards competition is held every year to recognize the efforts and successes of local volunteer groups. Projects are judged in eight categories according to the size of the community. Winning projects are cited for their ability to meet local need, community participation, results and continuity. Versailles, for example, took first place in 1982 in category I, for com­ munities with populations of 1 to 2000. In that town a survey was conducted for interest in recreational op­ portunities, the result of which in­ dicated a strong desire for a swim­ ming pool. The village applied for a 50-50 grant from the state Department of Conservation, with Versailles' share to be donated labor. The pool was built last summer. Danville, the winner in category VII, 30,001 to 40,000, was confronted with the continuing decline of em­ ployment opportunities. Through the direction of the local community college, a Danville Area Economic Development corporation was established. With the support of local businesses, volunteer community organizations and individuals, the corporation exceeded its first year funding goal of $130,000 by four times that amount. The corporation is currently inventorying the area for future economic development potential. First, second and third place as well as honorable mention winners are announced in each category. Governor James R. Thompson awarded the 1982 winners a plaque commemorating their achievements, and will do the same at an awards ceremony for the 1983 projects to be held in May. In addition, each selected com­ munity in last year's competition recently received a 3' x 4' road sign from the Illinois Department of Transportation designating it as a winner in the 1982 Governor's Home Town Awards project. The 1983 en­ trants are eligible for the signs next year. The new project guides are now available, according to Fox, and will be mailed to all municipal leaders and chambers of commerce. The deadline for this year's Governor's Home Town Awards competition is March 31. "The governor has always un­ derstood the need for and the potential of local volunteer organizations. The Governor's Home Town Awards is our way of recognizing and rewarding their achievements and showing all communities in Illinois just what can be accomplished at the local level," added Fox. To obtain a copy of the 1982 Governor's Home Town Project Guide or for more information on the Governor's Home Town Awards program contact Sue Ellen Stavrand, Home Town Awards Coordinator, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Office of Development Assistance, 222 South College, 2nd Floor, Springfield, 111. 62706, 217-782-4311. _ ' I State Rep. Dick Klemm, 63rd district, has announced that State Circuit Breaker forms are again available in his district office as a convenience to those who qualify for this tax relief. , - **. The Senior Citizens' and Disa|yle|l Persons' Property Tax Relief act, as it is formally called, is designed to reduce the burden of taxes on senior and disabled citizens of Illinois, whp generally have fixed or res trie ted incomes. 4 i "As an added convenience for the senior citizen and disabled person who has difficulty in completing the for- m," Klemm states, "my office will also assist in filling out these ap­ plications." Klemm's district office is located at 3 W. Crystal Lake avenue, Crystal Lake, 60014. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. The phone number is 815-455-6330. Accidental Deaths Decline TIPS Accidental deaths for the first nine months of 1982 were down 7 percent compared to the same period in 1981, the National Safety Council reported. Through September, 1982, 69,100 persons had died accidentally in the same period in 1981. On an anmui? basis, the death rate per 100,000 population was 39.8 for 1982 compared to 43.2 for 1981. Each of the four classes of ac­ cidental deaths are lower this year than last, the Council said. by W. G. Johnson, CPA Motor-vehicle deaths totalled 33,600 during tJte'fifsl mne months ol "ijWMT WWW|Lrcent; public d^fth: were 14,700, down two percent; home deaths were 15,300, the same as last year; and work deaths were 8,700, down five percent. PLAINDEALER~> Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (Th* Ploind«ol*r invitee tho public to us* this column os on oxprossion of their vi*ws on subjects of gonorol in­ terest in our community. Our only request is that the writers give signature full oddress and phone number. We ask too that one individual not write on the same subject more than once a month. We reserve the right to delete ony material which we consider libelous or in objectionable taste.) WATER PROBLEMS "Editor: "Last July and August residents of Lakeland Park held several public meetings regarding problems with the water company. "Problems with our water system have existed for years. Why has it Auto Tax Deduction A self employed individu­ al is entitled to a tax deduc­ tion for the business use of ~ Jiis (paer automobile. The "*ydedgetion^houfd include all or itHiSiWIK insurance, gas, repair, main­ tenance, and depreciation expenses. Under current law, an automobile may be depreci­ ated over a three year peri­ od with cost recovered as follows: 25°7» in the first year, 38% In the second year and 37% in the third year. In lieu of deducting actual expenses, the automobile deduction may be based on actual business mileage. The mileage deduction is $.20 per mile for the first 15,000 miles and $.11 for each mile over 15,000. Regardless of which me : taken Mr. Schooley so long to become 's an '"vestment interested in them? We have ad- - If* credit is allowed on the dressed our concerns to the proper usiness cost of an automo- authorities. Obviously he should do the same. "Sincerely, "Lois Kasper" bile. This credit is either 6% or 10% of the business cost, and is a direct reduction of tax in the year of purchase. II you h«ve • tax question, write to William G. Johnson. CPA, P.O Box 639, Fnnktort. Kentucky 40602 from HISTORY'S SCRAPBOOK DATES ADD EVENTS FROM YESTERYEARS February 3,1945--OnethousandU.S. planes raid Berlin. February 4,1974--Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst ab­ ducted from her apartment in Berkeley, Calif. February 5, 1900--Adlai E. Stevenson, Democratic presidential candidate in 1952 and 1956 an U.N. am­ bassador, born Los Angeles. February 6, 1843--First minstrel show in U.S., The Vir­ ginia Minstrels, staged at Bowery Amphitheater, New York City. February 7, 1875--In New York City's Bowery, Samuel F. O'Reilly introduces his electric tattoo machine. Ground Hog Day February 2 reminds us of the tradition when a little animal supposedly comes out of its winter burrow for a look to see if it's time to resume normal activities. The ground hog is per­ haps our most famous weather prophet. Unfor­ tunately. he's not the most accurate. The theory is that if the ground hog sees his shadow, he retires for another six weeks of sleep. If the sky is cloudy, he remains outside, with the assurance an early spring is around the courner. Don't count on it! For You r I n fo rma t i on Dear friends, Among the 1981 revisions in the Social Security law: The lump-sum death benefit of $255 y will be paid only to the deceased worker's spouse or to children eligible for survivor benefits. It will not be paid to grown children or other relatives. Respectfully, PETER M.JUSTEN & SON FUNERAL HOME mm ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? We Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Every Newcomer To Our Area!!! CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 385-5475 t mm Knew tfCIMMMfl usmss °BLIG No ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Area-Royal Welcome Does It Best m UBJ m HHJ mil m -- m mmmwhw, m IUU IIM in m JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE & BONDS Fire. Auto. Farm. IK* Representing RELIABLE COMPANIES 501S W. Elm St., McHenry 345-3300 DENNIS CONWAY AUTO, LIFE. FIRE State Farm Ins. Co. 3319 W. Elm Street McHenry, III. 3*5-71 II d- JAMES M. MclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Perianal Injury /Trials Business Corporations Wills/Probate Divorce-Real Estate Workman's Compensation 3434 W. Elm Street. McHenry II. For appointment phone: 3(5-2440 Farm Equipment George P. Freund, Inc. Case • New Holland 4102 W. Crystal Lake ltd -- , McHenry Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES. SERVICE! RENTALS Mon.-Sat. 9-5:30 Friday til 9:00 93 Grant St., Crystal Lake Phone: 459-1224 DR. LEONARD BOTTARI 1303 Richmond Rd.-McHenry Eyes Examlned-Contact Lenses Classes Fitted Mon., Tues.. Thurs.. Frl. 4-4pm Tues., Thurs.. Frl. 7-9pm Sat. 9:30-3 pm Phone: 3*5-4151 or 3*5-2242 McHENRY DENTAL CENTER DR. C.J. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WEGR2YN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL 8:30 P.M. t SAT. 385-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME WE CATER TO COWARDS l l R E L U RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europe[Motors, Inc. 120 2318 R*e. 815-385-0700 % \ SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 345-4300 FAMILY SERVICE t MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302-G West Crystal Lake Rd., McHenry, II. 60050 115-385-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINS McHenry County 24 hour* a day, 7 days a wttk Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call 815-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8660 t Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days ,<•' (Evor had a problem involving the federal government and not known where to call? And than been given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 800-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run-away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-424-9213 . (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission.) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) , ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 800-252-2878 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800-638-2666 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquiras about or reporting on the safety of products from kitchen applionces to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800-523*2929. P.O. Box 1607. Rockville, Md. 20850 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun-powered hot-water system.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 Chicago. III. BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999. 24 hours Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St., McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Coun­ seling for youth and families. ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone: 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on gover ment regulations. •] MENTAL HEALTH | 1-800-892-8900 Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number ond professional staff wil onswer your call Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mentol Health Service System. NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Off ice Box 17400 Washington, D.C.. 20041 Phone (703) 471-0404 McHENRY COUNTY CETA OUTREACH CENTER 666 Russel Ct. ' Woodstock.il. 60098 (815)338-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCATION FOR THE RETARDED Robert G. Lambourn. Executive Director Phone: 344-1930 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS f815) 455-3311 McHENRY COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL 800-892-3272 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES. INC. 800-942-3940 Free legcl representation in civil cases to low incom* persons. Landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violenca or improper denia! of benefits such as Social Security] ublic Aid Food Stamps. General Assistance S Unem'- ployment Insurance ---------- 1 t