Throughout tax season, Community Action Planning Council offered free income tax preparation to low to moderate income households. Basic tax returns were prepared by a dedicated group of well trained, IRS-certified volunteers. In total, volunteers prepared 907 federal and 884 state tax returns, helping local residents collect $1,006,580 in refunds and Earned Income Tax Credits. The service was offered at locations throughout Jefferson County, including Community Action Planning Council, Clayton Paynter Center, Carthage American Legion, and Adams Village Municipal Building.
On the morning of May 23, Community Action staff, board members, representatives from the IRS, and local dignitaries gathered at Ramada 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, Representative Elise Stefanik, Senator Patty Ritchie, Assemblyman Kenneth Blankenbush, and Assemblywoman Addie Russell.
During the program, Watertown City Mayor Joseph Butler, Jr. 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 104 years.
Pictured (back row, from left): Peter Benson, Barbara Greene, John Irwin, Gisele Young, and Bob Ashodian. (Front row): Yvonne Barr, Mike Geiss and Henry Watkins.