By Faye Wooden, AmeriCorps NCCC Team Leader
The most remarkable moments in life can happen when you least expect them. I recently experienced one such moment while volunteering with Tax Help Colorado as a part of AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program.
Tax Help Colorado is an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that provides free, high-quality tax-preparation services for low- and middle-income Colorado families. I recently completed certification as an Advanced tax preparer, and I was excited to get started.
Each client who comes to Tax Help Colorado has a story. I have the privilege of hearing these stories while preparing a client’s tax return. On the first day at the Thornton Community Connections tax site, I witnessed the powerful impact that free tax preparation assistance can have for families.
The client was a woman filing as the head of household with an annual income of less than $14,000. She had recently adopted three nephews in addition to raising her granddaughter, all of whom were under the age of 10.
Although she appeared frazzled when she arrived, we patiently helped her organize her paperwork and prepared her return. After we entered her information and confirmed her banking information, I was shocked by what we saw.
Her family status and income resulted in a total refund of $27,900.
I asked Itchel Cardenas, a coordinator for Tax Help Colorado, “Is this real?” It was only my second return, and I was worried I had made a mistake. Itchel assured me that the total refund was correct. The client’s family status and income made her eligible for more than $19,000 in refundable credits from Colorado, plus additional federal tax credits.
She was full of gratitude and expressed her thanks multiple times for our assistance.
A few years ago, Tax Help Colorado director Kristin Hubbard highlighted the lasting impact volunteers have in our community. “Tax Help Colorado volunteers understand that every 1040 tells a story and we are honored to become a small part of it during the tax preparation process.”
I am grateful to be a part of a mission that fosters hope, one tax return at a time.
About Faye Wooden:
Originally from a small town in Ohio, Faye is a Team Leader for AmeriCorps NCCC. She holds a Masters of Public Administration and is a certified nonprofit professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. She believes service to others is one of life’s greatest adventures and is thrilled to serve the community through AmeriCorps NCCC and Mile High United Way.
