Imagine helping a senior navigate the deductions and forms to get their maximum refund.

 

Or being there when a struggling family learns they are getting enough back to ease their financial concerns.

 

This is what Kyle Parker, Free Community Tax Service Site Coordinator, and his team of Tax Heroes do every Thursday evening at Broadview Learning Center.

 

"Our tax clients are hardworking people just trying to do their duty to file their annual taxes," said Kyle Parker, "but the tax code is intimidating and gets in their way. Through the Free Community Tax Service we have the good fortune of being able to remove this stumbling block."

 

Kyle remembers seeing the relief on a single mother's face when she learned she qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

 

"Just being in the room with her, we could feel the relief wash over her as she realized that her refund was going to alleviate so much of the financial pressure and uncertainty she was operating under," said Kyle. "I feel fortunate to have been part of an event that improved a neighbor's life."

 

While motivations to volunteer are unique to each Tax Hero, Kyle and his team are committed to giving back to the community.

 

"There is a proverb that says Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in our power to act," said Kyle. "I think all our volunteers have a gift for being comfortable with numbers and rules and feel the need to be good stewards of this gift."