Listed below are seven tax credits and other benefits that are available if you or someone else listed on your federal tax return is disabled.

1. Standard deduction: Taxpayers who are legally blind may be entitled to a higher standard deduction on their tax return.

2. Gross income. Certain disability-related payments, Veterans Administration disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income are excluded from gross income.

3. Impairment-related work expenses: Employees, who have a physical or mental disability limiting their employment, may be able to claim business expenses in connection with their workplace. The expenses must be necessary for the taxpayer to work.

4. Credit for the elderly or disabled: This credit is generally available to certain taxpayers who are 65 and older as well as to certain disabled taxpayers who are younger than 65 and are retired on permanent and total disability.

5. Medical expenses: If you itemize your deductions using Form 1040 Schedule A, you may be able to deduct medical expenses. See IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.

6. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is available to disabled taxpayers as well as to the parents of a child with a disability. If you retired on disability, taxable benefits you receive under your employer’s disability retirement plan are considered earned income until you reach minimum retirement age.

The EITC is a tax credit that not only reduces a taxpayer’s tax liability but may also result in a refund. Many working individuals with a disability who have no qualifying children, but are older than 25 and younger than 65 do – in fact – qualify for EITC.

Additionally, if the taxpayer’s child is disabled, the age limitation for the EITC is waived. The EITC has no effect on certain public benefits. Any refund you receive because of the EITC will not be considered income when determining whether you are eligible for benefit programs such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.

7. Child or dependent care credit: Taxpayers who pay someone to come to their home and care for their dependent or spouse may be entitled to claim this credit. There is no age limit if the taxpayer’s spouse or dependent is unable to care for themselves.

For more information on tax credits and benefits available to disabled taxpayers, see Publication 3966, Living and Working with Disabilities or Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities available on IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

KELSEYVILLE – The next HazMobile event will be held on Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20, at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 4085 Main St., in Kelseyville.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Events may be canceled due to rain.

Households can bring up to 15 gallons of toxic items free of charge. A charge will be made for amounts above 15 gallons.

Items that are accepted include paint, solvents, fuels, 5-gallon propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, dry cell batteries, fluorescent light tubes (up to 60 feet free) and other toxins that cannot be put in the trash.

Excluded items that cannot be accepted are televisions, computer monitors, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials or infectious wastes.

To learn how and where to properly dispose these items, please contact the Lake County Public Services office at 707-263-1980.

This is a residential service. Charges apply to businesses; phone 468-9786 for more information and business appointments.

Free recycled paint is available at Lake County Waste Solution Transfer Station at 230 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport on a first-come, first-serve basis. The paint comes in 5-gallon containers – tan, brown, gray and pink.

Used oil can be recycled year round at a number of sites in the county.

The HazMobile program is subsidized by the Lake County Public Services Department Solid Waste Division.

If you have any questions regarding this or any of Lake County’s Solid Waste programs, please call 707-262-1760 or the Hot Line number at 707-263-1980.

MIDDLETOWN – Superintendent of schools, district attorney and sheriff candidates’ forums are being sponsored by the Middletown Luncheon Club in March, April and May.

Programs start at noon the third Wednesday of the month in the social hall of the Middletown Methodist Church, 15833 Armstrong at Washington, Middletown.

Lunch is only $5 per person with proceeds going to the serving group.

On Wednesday, March 17, it’s the two Lake County superintendent of schools candidates, Wally Holbrook and Judy Luchsinger.

On April 21, it’s the three candidates for district attorney, incumbent Jon Hopkins, Don Anderson and Doug Rhoades.

Sheriffs candidates are on Wednesday, May 19: Incumbent Rod Mitchell, Francisco Rivero and Jack Baxter.

The general public is always welcome to attend any Middletown Luncheon Club program. Because of the popularity of these forums, RSVPs would be appreciated, especially if you are coming with a group or don’t usually attend. Contact Helen Whitney, 707-928-9812 and leave a message.

MLC meets every third Wednesday of the month from January through November. A nonprofit organization is selected to provide lunch, and there is a different program each month to keep things lively and informative. Lunches are $5 per person.

For more info on the MLC, contact Helen Whitney, 707-928-9812.

Mackey’s presentation was a joy to attend, and her Victorian-era costume was endearing, despite the scandalous sight of her ankles.

Many thanks to Karan for sharing her stories and extensive collection of early photographs.

Following the presentation, the crowd enjoyed a bountiful assortment of treats, thanks to the many members who brought goodies to share with the group.

The society also thanks the Historic Courthouse Museum for hosting this event. It is always a pleasure to be in that building and peruse the fascinating displays.

Our next general membership meeting will be Sunday, April 25. More information will follow, but mark your calendars.

And don’t forget our upcoming yard sale at the Nice Clubhouse. We are holding that event on May 29 and 30, so start saving your pennies and box up your most valuable junk!

For more information call Jean Beeson at 707-263-1372.

Franklin Ley is the Lake County Historical Society's publicity chair.

LAKEPORT – Chef Sue Amberson and Chef Christina Basor will present a Latin American fiesta raw food class on Sunday, March 28.

The class will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Big Valley Grange, 1510 Big Valley Road, Lakeport.

The fun new class will teach participants how to make easy recipes that are fast, festive and delicious.

Featured recipes will include hot red pepper chips, pineapple avocado salsa, spicy taco filling, Mexican seasoned cabbage and mango crème parfait.

The cost is $40 per person for adults or $15 per child.

Please RSVP by calling Basor at 707-489-3600 or Amberson at 707-262-1177.

MIDDLETOWN – The South Lake County Fire Sirens will hold their next general meeting on Monday, April 5.

The group will gather in the conference room at the Middletown Fire Station on Highway 175.

They will meet for coffee at 9:30 a.m., with the speaker and the business meeting to follow at 10 a.m.

The April speaker will be Georgina Lehne, recently named the “Star of Lake County” for her outstanding service to the people of Lake County.

The Fire Sirens is a local volunteer service organization. They support the File of Life Program and also work in conjunction with the Blood Bank of the Redwoods supporting the Middletown Community Blood Drives.

They next blood drive is Saturday, April 10, at the Middletown Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Future blood drives are June 5th, July 31, Oct. 2 and Dec. 4. Mark your calendars.

The Fire Sirens also have tables and chairs to rent for your special events. If interested, please contact Betty at 707-987-0407.