Tax season is underway This tax season nearly 1 million Hoosier taxpayers will qualify to file their federal AND state taxes online for free through Indiana freefile (INfreefile). If a taxpayer has an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $58,000 or less during 2013, the Indiana Department of Revenue can offer her free federal and state tax filing online. Last year, more than 119,000 taxpayers used INfreefile to file their Indiana taxes. Taxpayers should visit www.freefile.dor.in.gov to see if they qualify for INfreefile based on the vendors’ options. If they qualify, all taxpayers have to do is click the vendor of their choice and complete their tax returns online. “Indiana freefile saves qualified taxpayers time and money.” said Bill Bahler, deputy commissioner of tax administration. “Users can file both their federal and state taxes at the same time and place using professional software, at no cost. That’s pretty hard to beat.” This year, six vendors provide an easy and secure way to file taxes online. The vendors participating in INfreefile include 1040Now, H&R Block, OLT OnLine Taxes, TaxAct, TaxSlayer and Turbo Tax. There are many advantages to electronically filing: • Faster refunds—e-filed returns are processed in less than two weeks, while a paper return can take up to 12 weeks. • Better security—fewer people see your information. • Get more or pay less—e-filing software may suggest credits and deductions you might not have known about. • Better accuracy—electronic returns have a 2 percent error rate versus 20 percent for paper returns. • Indiana is one of more than 20 states, including the District of Colombia, who are members of the Free File Alliance, a partnership between the IRS and private tax preparers that has been offering free tax service in states around the country since 2003. The program brings professional tax services to a wide range of income levels. If taxpayers have questions specific to their return, call (317) 232-2240.
Indiana Beach announces four new rides for 2014 season Indiana Beach, Indiana’s largest and most popular amusement resort and vacation playground, announces the addition of four ‘funtastic’ rides for the 2014 season. The Baby Baron, Growler, Dragon Wagon and Rockin’ Tug are just the first of several upgrades planned this year. Each of the new attractions was acquired with children and families in mind. The Baby Baron allows little ones to soar over Kiddyland, controlling their own bi-plane that rises and falls at the driver’s command. Also in Kiddyland, Dragon Wagon, offers an exciting ride for children seeking the thrill of their first roller coaster. Kids will get a rush while riding up and over hills and swerving around corners. Families can take classic tea cups to the next level on the Growler. Four people will spin at a 20-degree angle, 7-1/2’ feet in the air, while the entire ride twists and turns. And finally, everyone can cruise on Rockin’ Tug, a small boat that gently spins, dips and peaks on ocean “We are excited to introduce these new attractions in 2014,” stated Bob Gallagher, Park President. “They add something fresh and fun for the families who visit year after year, and we hope they will be a draw for others considering a family vacation to Indiana Beach.” “We also have to announce that after 42 years of thrilling guests from across the country, the Galaxi, our park’s first major steel coaster, is being retired. Fans and thrill-seekers can rest assured that plans are underway for a new thrill coming in 2015.” Mr. Gallagher further hinted, “There’s still more in store for 2014, be sure to watch for funtastic additional news.” Indiana Beach will open for the season on May 10, 2014. Season passes are now available with exclusive perks for pass holders. To learn more, call (574)583-4141, or visit.IndianaBeach.com.
Logansport Memorial opens medical center in Peru Logansport Memorial Hospital’s new Peru Medical Center (PMC), located at 1694 W. Logansport Road in Peru, opened February 10. The Peru Medical Center offers primary care, internal medicine, OB/GYN and orthopedic services. Dr. Agnes Kenny, a board-certified family medicine physician and Jo Estes, Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner will be available to see patients five days a week at the PMC. In addition, Dr. Vivek Sahgal will practice at the Peru Medical Center. Dr. Sahgal specializes in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine. Christopher Hogg DO, the newest board-certified orthopedic surgeon to join
the Logansport Memorial Physician Network (LMPN), will have office hours at the Peru Medical Center one day a week. Physicians from the LMPN Women’s Health Center office will see patients one day per week in and the PMC will offer on-site laboratory and x-ray services. The Peru Medical Center will be open Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The PMC is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (765) 472-2812.
Community Foundation assets at more than $16 million Year-end figures released at the January 2014 Cass County Community Foundation board meeting show that the CCCF’s total assets grew to almost $16.7 million last year after starting 2013 at $14.2 million. The Cass County Community Foundation also announced officers for 2014. Elected officers for 2014 are: Board Chairman, Dr. Herb Price; Vice Chairman, Thillia Reynolds; Treasurer, Keith Cole; Secretary, Deb Shanks; and Past Chairman, Susan Platt. The officers will be joined by board members Burton “Bud” Reed, Lucy Burns, Randy Head, Tom Heckard, Paul Kroeger, Dan Layman, Dr. Sue Ridlen, Jesse Robinson, and Adam Strasser.
10 | Cass County INfo: | February 2014