ATLANTA — Income tax season is here and the Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services is encouraging Georgians to contribute to their local community through the Georgia Fund for Children and Elderly by checking the appropriate box on the State of Georgia Income Tax Form. Donations are tax deductible.

The collections go to local Area Agencies on Aging, which provide home-delivered meals and transportation to the elderly, and through grants to public or non-profit agencies serving children with special health, educational and emotional needs.  

Last year, a total of $222,193.46 was collected.      

“One way that we can make life a little easier for children and the elderly is by making donations through our income tax returns,” said Maria Greene, director of DAS.

Those filing tax returns can give to the fund by checking off line 27 on the Georgia Income Tax Form 500, or by checking off line 11 on the Georgia Income Tax Form 500ez, or by adding dollars to their tax payment and indicating that they are contributing to the fund.

For more information, contact Sheila Phillips in the Division of Aging Services at (404) 657-5253 or by email at slphillips@dhr.state.ga.us, or Carol Steele at the Georgia Children’s Trust Fund Commission, (404) 206-6035 or by email at clsteele@gactfc.com.