”
We’d like you to join us,
”
Bruce Tupper said as he invited me to stop by.
”
We may even fix you a cup of coffee, courtesy of the Senior
Center.
”
Such is the friendly tone set by the Tuesday team of volunteer
tax preparers as they busily help their fellow Gilroyans get their
tax forms filed.
“We’d like you to join us,” Bruce Tupper said as he invited me to stop by. “We may even fix you a cup of coffee, courtesy of the Senior Center.” Such is the friendly tone set by the Tuesday team of volunteer tax preparers as they busily help their fellow Gilroyans get their tax forms filed.
“Walk in wearing an anxious expression,” Tupper chuckled. “I’ll know you need help with your taxes.”
Tupper handles the administrative duties of the AARP’s tax counseling program for seniors in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. These tax aides prepare the returns of middle to low income tax payers, with special attention to those who are age 60 and older. Best of all, this service is free.
With a background as a technical manager for an aerospace company, Tupper did his mom’s taxes for many years. He saw the peace of mind it gave her when her taxes were filed immediately and properly. Now that she is gone, he has decided to continue using his skills to help other seniors.
Kip Turley is an ex-IBM employee who is in charge of the technical aspects of the operation. He keeps the computers and printers operating well. In fact, he is the technical coordinator for this region of California, for an area extending from San Francisco to Death Valley. Fortunately, he is able to do much of his job via phone and e-mail.
“I can tell you stories,” he says. “That’s the fun part, talking to the people. We had someone in here that was going to be 100 years old the following week. He came in with all his papers and forms in order, ready to get his taxes taken care of.”
Former executive secretary Donna Ferrante echoed Turley’s sentiments. “Some of the people are pretty amazing.” This is Ferrante’s first year volunteering in our area, but she had four years of experience in tax preparation in Clear Lake before moving here.
No matter what their background, each volunteer must undergo 30 hours of training and pass a two-hour test required by the IRS before becoming a certified tax counselor. Last year, two volunteers prepared 120 tax returns. This year, they have doubled their number of preparers to four, which means they do still have openings available.
“Some people don’t realize that we are available for low and middle income tax payers as well, not just seniors,” Ferrante pointed out, clearly enjoying her role helping others prepare their tax forms.
Dave Hall has the most experience of the team, volunteering as a tax counselor for seven years now. Twenty-nine year Gilroy resident Mike Meehan has a background in finance and enjoys being able to answer peoples’ tax questions. If one volunteer doesn’t know the answer to something, one of the other members of the team is quick to pitch in.
“One person came in and he didn’t have his forms filled out correctly,” Tupper told me. “We saved him $2,500.”
While I was visiting, a thank you letter came in addressed to Kip, Bruce, Mike, Dave, and Donna. “To IRS Volunteers,” it read, “Thanks so much for your help . They have not knocked on my door yet, so all must be OK! Thanks again for volunteering!!!”
“Will you do this again next year?” I asked Mike Meehan, a first-time volunteer.
“Only if they double my pay!” he replied, a twinkle in his eye.
The crew volunteers between 9 to noon, taking their last appointment at 11a.m. on Mondays in Morgan Hill and Tuesdays in Gilroy. The last day to get your taxes done by them will be April 11. For an appointment, please call 408-848-0465.
