Free Community Tax Service Volunteer Highlight: Brock Goggins
“There aren't a whole lot of people who would say that they love preparing taxes. Many local families find it difficult and confusing to prepare their own taxes, and too expensive to have others prepare taxes for them.” That’s where the Free Community Tax Service and volunteers like Brock Goggins jump into action.
As a new resident to Bloomington, Brock, a Regional Senior Vice President, Retail Banking at German American Bank, looked forward to getting involved with his community. “It seems like everyone I've met in this community is very generous with their time and resources.” He spoke with colleagues about his previous volunteer experience at a similar free tax program, and shortly afterwards a group of co-workers eagerly contacted United Way about the Free Community Tax Service.
After many hours of training, studying, and testing, Brock became an IRS-certified tax preparer. As a volunteer at the South Central Community Action Program tax site, Brock relayed, “For low income families to have their taxes prepared by highly trained and certified individuals provides peace of mind while saving them money. I've seen numerous clients come to tears when discussing the impact that this program makes for their family. Just last week, one individual literally jumped out of her chair in excitement because she was getting a large enough return to fix her car (which will help her have a more reliable means of transportation to get to work every day). Now that is community impact!”
“I always love to hear the plans that families have for their tax returns. So many of them are excited to learn that they don't have to give up several hundred dollars of their federal or state tax return due to tax preparation fees. Sometimes, that can be the difference that their family needs to fix a car, get back to work, pay off some debts, or even to put food on the table!”
Brock mentioned “The success of this program is due in large part to some awesome local organizations, such as United Way of Monroe County, great community centers such as SCCAP, knowledgeable local tax professors from Ivy Tech, a great volunteer base, and many others that are involved in the program!”
Thanks to Brock and all of our valuable Free Community Tax Service volunteers!
