AARP’s tax help a stress reliever

It’s tax time again.

While many are able to get through the annual grind by using computer software like TurboTax and fiddling with a calculator at home, there are some like Dawn Zamora of Spokane who wouldn’t dare do it on their own.

“I wouldn’t attempt to do it by myself,” said Zamora, who also can’t afford to hire an accountant. “I don’t understand all the numbers.”

So for the last four years, she and her husband, Jeremi, have turned to the AARP Tax-Aide program – the largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation service in the country.

Every year, hundreds of AARP volunteers in Eastern Washington and North Idaho spend countless hours at libraries, churches and other sites helping low- and middle-income taxpayers – with special attention to those ages 60 and older – file their returns with the IRS.

On Saturday, the Zamoras were among more than 50 people who lined up for tax assistance at Garland Alliance Church in northwest Spokane. Since they had sought tax help in previous years, the couple made sure they brought all their paperwork – a copy of last year’s return, 1099 forms, W-2s, picture IDs and Social Security cards. They also ate a big breakfast knowing that hours could pass before their turn was up.

“It’s a bit of a wait,” acknowledged Zamora. “But it’s worth it for the savings.”

People stood in line as early as 11:15 a.m. – 45 minutes before the doors opened Saturday. Lee and Crystal Hanson of Mead got there at 11:30 a.m., but they were still number 32 on a waiting list. Organizers estimated they could help only 45 people from noon to 3 p.m., so about a dozen were turned away by 12:30 p.m.

The free service has been offered for the last two weeks at various locations throughout the area and will continue to be offered through April 15.

“Taxes can get complicated,” said Sandra Jewsbury, of Spokane, who filled out her return Friday but had to come back Saturday for additional information. Jewsbury, whose husband died last year, just didn’t know which forms to fill out on behalf of her deceased spouse.

“This is a wonderful service for people who can’t afford to hire someone to do their taxes,” she said.

One of eight AARP volunteers armed with computers and a program called Tax Wise sat down with each individual, asking questions while carefully filling out their 1099 forms. As part of the program – which is funded by the AARP, the IRS and private contributions, volunteers receive training to become tax counselors.

The average tax return takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, according to Dick Neff, an AARP volunteer. Some people, however, require more time. Problems often arise when taxpayers come in and provide the wrong Social Security number, he said. Some also forget to bring all their W2 forms. Others want to itemize their deductions, but later realize they’ve forgotten some of the receipts and records they need to do that.

“Americans just don’t know anything about taxes,” explained Tom Sylvester, a retired U.S. Postal Service employee who has volunteered with the program for the last 21 years.

Sylvester, 76, volunteers about three days a week during the tax season. Last Friday, he worked for nearly 12 hours. “It’s gratifying to know you’re helping people,” he said.