Imagine assisting a struggling family as they realize they’re getting enough back on their taxes to ease financial concerns… all because you helped them claim earned tax credits that might have otherwise been missed.
Or helping a senior navigate the deductions and forms to get their maximum refund.
This is what Kyle Parker, Free Community Tax Service Site Coordinator, and his team of Tax Heroes do every volunteer shift.
"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."
As a Hoosier Energy Forecast Analyst and United Way Board Treasurer, Kyle is comfortable working with numbers. But his volunteer gig as a Tax Hero connects him face-to-face with community members.
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."
Not all heroes wear capes. Some volunteer to help hard-working families file their taxes for free! The Free Community Tax Service, led by United Way of Monroe County, is currently seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Last year, Tax Heroes like Kyle and his team filed more than 2,800 federal tax returns and brought back more than 2.9 million dollars to our community.
Join our Free Community Tax Service volunteer team today. Training is provided, and no experience is needed!
