STATE TAXES: While there’s almost nothing we can count on more than the annual visit from the taxman, the animal comes back in slightly different form every year.
Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella announced one new thing this time around with our state taxes. “For the first time, Pennsylvanians can deposit their state income tax refund directly into an existing, tax-exempt Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program account,” a press release from his office stated.
So, it will be a little easier families to save up for children’s education.
To participate: “When completing your PA-40, Personal Income Tax Return, enter code H and the amount in the donation section between lines 32-36. Additionally, submit a PA-Schedule P with your return when donating to one or more Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program accounts.”
Depending on the plan taxpayers pick, they will be able to open accounts with as little as $15 or $25. Money put into these accounts will be tax exempt, too.
A whole host of information — and forms — can be found at www.revenue.pa.gov.
RADON: January is national Radon Action Month.
“Colorless, odorless, and radioactive, radon is a known human carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,” said the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The thing is, you wouldn’t know if you had high levels in your home unless you tested for it. The agency is reminding people that winter is the best time to test for radon.
How does it build up in your home? “Radon occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings,” the DEP stated.
“Because of its geology, Pennsylvania is prone to high radon levels,” said DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Radon has been detected in all 67 counties, and about 40 percent of homes have levels above the Environmental Protection Agency action level.”
To test levels, purchase a radon test kit at a home improvement or hardware store, or hire a professional, according to the DEP.The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend anyone with radon levels higher than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) have a professional install a radon reduction system.
