Throughout tax season, Community Action Planning Council offered free income tax preparation to low to moderate income households. Basic tax preparation services were made available by a dedicated group of IRS-certified volunteers. In total, volunteers prepared 935 federal and 898 state tax returns, helping local residents collect $1,344,247 in refunds and Earned Income Tax Credits. The service was offered at locations throughout Jefferson County, including Community Action Planning Council, Ives Hill Retirement Community, Clayton Paynter Center, Carthage American Legion, Adams Village Municipal Building and Henderson Free Library.
On the morning of April 27, Community Action staff, board members, and local dignitaries gathered at Hilton Garden Inn for a special celebration of the good work of tax preparation volunteers. The volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation from the Internal Revenue Service, Senator Patty Ritchie, Assemblyman Kenneth Blankenbush, and Assemblywoman Addie Russell.
During the program, Watertown City Councilmember Joseph Butler thanked the volunteers for their service to the community. Several volunteers expressed great satisfaction in helping those who can least afford to pay for tax preparation services. It was noted that the combined experience of tax preparation volunteers totals 102 years.
Pictured, back row, from left: Gisele Young, Peter Benson, Evelyn Peckham, John Irwin, Henry Watkins, Bob Ashodian. Front row: Mike Geiss, Anna Boyanski, Barbara Greene. Not present for the photo: Renee Dougall and Yvonne Barr.