Church makes tax filing less taxing for people needing help
Mar. 17, 2008
NOTE: Photographs and a UMTV report are available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Eve Annunziato*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)--Tax season can be one of the most dreaded times of the year, but one United Methodist congregation is approaching it as an outreach opportunity - an outreach that includes hot coffee and fresh donuts.
West Nashville United Methodist Church is offering a free Tax-Aide clinic every Saturday for three months. The Tax-Aide program, created by AARP, has assisted more than 30 million seniors and low-income people over the past 40 years.
"The doors of this church are always open because we have a real open-door policy," says Sherry Cothran Woolsey, director of missions at West Nashville United Methodist Church. She sees being a part of the Tax-Aide program as in line with the church's purpose.
"Anything that we can do that expresses the mission of the church - love of God and love of neighbor - that's what we're all about," Woolsey says.
Tax-Aide provides tax preparation help to low- and middle-income taxpayers free of charge. The program depends on 32,000 volunteers working at more than 7,800 sites around the United States.
One such volunteer is Julian Suggs, a former pastor who serves as the Tax-Aide district coordinator for the Middle Tennessee area. Suggs and a dozen other certified trained experts work at the West Nashville Church site, giving up 11 consecutive Saturdays to give others a special tax break.
"My wife and I, shall I say, have a healthy discussion this time of year," Suggs says. "She says, 'You know you're working a full-time job as a volunteer.' And, I answer, 'Yes, but I believe in it!'"
Tax picture can change
Suggs, with his upbeat demeanor and friendly smile, walks around the clinic assisting clients, answering questions and speaking with people as they await their turn to see an agent.
The tax picture for retirees can change dramatically in a short period of time, Suggs says. For instance, if the spouse who usually prepares the household taxes becomes sick or dies, filing can become a difficult issue. In addition, he says, paying an accountant or broker can be a budget buster.
"There are very few seniors that understand these complicated affairs," Suggs says. "The elderly, widows and poor income families need help, and I feel fortunate that I've been trained to provide that help. And this is very rewarding. After their forms are all accepted, I have the most wonderful calm and peace that I was able to help people and save them a lot of money."
'A great help'
After filing her taxes at the West Nashville Church, retired factory worker Thelma Mulloy, 76, is no longer fretting and fussing over the process. She is getting her taxes completed electronically and claims she couldn't do this without the help of the experts.
"This would take a chunk out of my Social Security check, which I need for house payments, light bills and water bills," she says. "And I need all the money I can get for my medication, so this is just a great help for me."
"When you don't have a lot of funds coming in every month after you retire, you don't have a job and you live on Social Security, you just don't have the money you would like to have. This just means a whole lot," says client Nira Gamble, 74, of the church's Tax-Aide program. "I think this is wonderful. ... I appreciate all of these people."
Tax-Aide client Lillian Richmond, 52, also has a trained financial counselor advising her at no cost.
"I'm all finished with my taxes," she says. "And it was for free - and they serve coffee and donuts, too. You can't beat that. I'm relieved and appreciate it now that it's over with and filed electronically. I don't even have to put a stamp on it!"
More information on Tax-Aide is available by calling (888) 227-7669 or going to www.aarp.org online.
*Annunziato is a freelance producer for United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Fran Coode Walsh, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
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