Income tax assistance available

Seniors in need of help with preparing their income taxes can contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and request a list of locations where free tax counseling and preparation services are being offered.

"It's important this information be made available to our senior citizens," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as chairman of the Office of Senior Services. "With tax season here we want our residents to know help is available."

The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has a list of the AARP/VITA Tax Aide Volunteer Sites that provide free tax counseling and preparation service to low-income and middle-income individuals with special emphasis for people 60 years old and over.

There are 37 sites throughout Ocean County providing access to this service.

A new site has been added this year at the Plumsted library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. People can call the Plumsted library at (609) 758-7888 to schedule an appointment.

This service also is available at the County Connection, a county government service outlet run by the Board of Free-holders and located in the Ocean County Mall, Hooper Avenue, Toms River.

"We encourage our seniors to take advantage of these programs," said Free-holder Director John P. Kelly. "The County Connection is open weekends and eve-nings so access to this help is convenient."

To make an appointment at the County Connection call (732) 288-7777.