The Solanco School District announces a tax credit program for senior citizens living in the school district.  The SMILES Program (Senior Mentors In Learning and Education Services) will provide tax credit vouchers for up to $200 to qualified senior citizens, in exchange for 36 hours of volunteer work in any Solanco school.  Those completing the program will receive a tax voucher for $200 toward their 2006/2007 school district property taxes.

The credit for service provided to the school district during a year will be credited to the following year’s real estate tax invoice.  Credits earned during a school year will reduce the tax liability for the tax invoices issued the following July.  The tax invoices will reflect the full amount due; however, the taxpayer will be issued a $200 credit voucher to be applied to the tax invoice.

The taxpayer will only be required to pay the net amount due after application of the tax credit.  Taxpayers who have their real estate taxes escrowed through their mortgage may request a refund of the tax credit upon payment of their taxes by the escrow agent.  Tax credits must be used in the tax year following the year in which they are earned.

Should a participant sell their property and purchase another property within the Solanco School District, the credit may be transferred to that property for that individual.  If a participant sells their property and does not purchase another property within the School District, the credit is forfeited.  Tax credits are not transferable to another individual.

The experience and knowledge of senior volunteers are needed in a broad range of areas, including many opportunities to work with students and helping in our buildings.  A sampling of volunteer opportunities to assist with the operations of our buildings includes:

WORKING DIRECTLY WITH STUDENTS:

         Acting as a tutor.

         Helping students in the cafeterias, classrooms or computer labs.

         Listening to children read or reading to children.

WORKING IN SUPPORT AREAS:

         Playing the piano or other musical instruments.

         Assisting in art, physical education, or classroom.

WORKING IN OFFICES AND BUILDINGS:

         Doing special assignments in cleaning, grounds keeping or painting.

         Assisting in the health room, libraries or offices

         Assisting in the health room, libraries or offices

DO YOU QUALIFY?

           You do if:

              You are 62 or older

              Your household income is $25,000 or less

              (i.e. social security, pension, interest, etc.)

              You are a residential property owner living in the Solanco School District.

***If for some reason, you are physically unable to perform the 36 hours of volunteer work, a friend or family member may complete the 36 hours for you.  Just check the box marked “Physically Unable” and list the substitute’s name.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

           Pick up information and application form at the following locations:

              All school district building offices

              Our website (www.solancosd.org)

              Township offices

              Local post offices

Submit a completed application to:

   The Superintendent’s Office

   Solanco School District Office

   121 South Hess Street, Quarryville, PA 17566

Any Questions Contact:

Monica Miller

Solanco School District Office

717.786.8401