Community Action Duluth: Help with taxes

One hour of your time can help put $2000 in the pocket of a low-income family
Community Action Duluth is now recruiting volunteers to file tax returns for low-income families from January – April 2009.

“We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping people, networking with other professionals and making a difference in their own community,” said Angie Miller, Executive Director at Community Action Duluth. “No prior professional tax experience is necessary,” Miller said. “Volunteers receive free tax training and are assisted at all times by experienced tax preparers and a reviewer.” Volunteers who serve as screeners, greeters and assistants are also needed. These volunteers do not prepare taxes, however, they are crucial to the overall service provided. To request an application or for more information, call 726-1665 or visit the website www.communityactionduluth.org

During the 2008 tax-filing season, a total of 60 Community Action Duluth volunteers prepared over 1200 federal and state income tax returns for households with an average income of $13,500. The average refund was $1,500 and the cumulative value of refunds secured by volunteers was over $2 million dollars in refunds. “That’s $2 million dollars returned to people who really need it,” Miller said. In addition, the two Community Action tax sites provided free savings accounts, instant refund loans, screening for benefits and free credit reports.