DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have read with interest the two letters (May 31, Aug. 20) you have received regarding the deduction of property tax and donations on the income tax return. Your response to the first letter was right on, but obviously they still feel their accountant hasn’t done their return correctly.

I work for H&R Block in the Topsham and Brunswick offices and this question frequently comes up. It takes a lot of patience to explain this to a client who is questioning it and it definitely helps to be able to show the client in black and white. I usually do it both ways so they can see how their refund is affected if they take the itemized deductions as opposed to the standard deduction. Tax preparers always give them the deduction which is most advantageous to the client.

H&R Block has what they call a “Second Look” program. This is free of charge. We encourage people to come in with their tax returns and all of the supporting documents. We then enter the entire return into the computer as if we are doing it from the beginning. We can then compare our results with the original return. If we find a mistake and the client decides to amend the return, there would be a charge for the amendment. If we don’t find a mistake (as I’m sure would happen in this case), there is no charge.

The Auburn H&R Block office is open Tuesdays from 1 to 6 p.m. It is at 730 Center St. in the shopping plaza. Their phone number is 784-4553. If they call when the office is closed, their call will go to an answering service and the person who answers could set up an appointment for them to have a Second Look done.

I might also point out that anyone can come to an H&R Block office at any time if they have questions or need some tax advice. We don’t usually charge for this service unless we need to spend a lot of time doing research or looking at the client’s documentation. — Marilyn Brinnick , New Gloucester, mabrinnick@gmail.com

ANSWER: Thank you, Marilyn, for this useful information. No Name in Lewiston will surely appreciate the help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s been brought to our attention that SeniorsPlus was mentioned in the Aug. 20 column when someone asked for an income tax professional to help them with a question. In reading the answer, it looks like there might be a misunderstanding with what service SeniorsPlus is able to provide for this:

We do not have volunteers here that can assist with income taxes. Some years ago, we were able to provide income tax preparation January to April with volunteers, but we have not in at least two years. Since then, we have been referring people to the volunteer income tax reps AARP has at the Multi-Purpose Center during that time of year. The rest of the year, our Aging & Disability Resource Center can connect people with the resources they need as always.

We do have volunteers that can assist people with the 2010 Property Tax & Rent Rebate (Circuit Breaker) forms by appointment. It is easy to get income taxes and this program confused. This year’s program started Aug. 1, and people may file for this until May 31, 2012. Again, people can call us anytime at 795-4010 to make an appointment for assistance with the Tax & Rent Rebate form.

I hope this clears it up. Thanks! — Collette Mailhot, senior administrative assistant, SeniorsPlus

ANSWER: Thank you, Collette, for clarifying SeniorsPlus’ offerings. Your organization does so much for seniors, it’s easy to assume it does everything!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person who inquired about protection for wools, I would suggest “para mothballs,” available in the aisle with laundry soaps, etc., at Shaw’s. I have used this with excellent results for many years. They are not the old mothballs, which smell forever. When you are ready to use the items, just air them out for a few days. — No Name, Auburn

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