Locals get help as TaxAide program helps with filing income tax returns

Jeff Slater BSP Reporter

Area residents are getting help filing their tax returns through a countywide program. Last year the Marbletown site prepared 255 tax returns.

Bill Tuel, a former resident of Rosendale who volunteers at the Stone Ridge site at the Marbletown Community Center, said, “TaxAide is a free service provided by AARP and the IRS. There is no eligibility requirement regarding age and income. AARP membership is not required. The Marbletown site is staffed with IRS-certified volunteer counselors, who are trained and certified each year starting in December. I am one of the certified counselors and have the additional responsibility of ensuring the volunteers are properly trained and the site operates in accordance with IRS and AARP requirements for data and physical security, respect for the civil rights of clients. All activities are on a volunteer basis.”

Jean Lerner, a local resident who has volunteered for 10 years, said, “The service is greatly appreciated by local people that can’t afford to have their taxes done. We’ll do taxes for anyone from a tax preparer’s angle. I enjoy interacting with clients as they come back year to year, and it feels good to get them a refund. “

Anita Farquhar, a client from Accord, said, “I like this program because it doesn’t cost me anything, and it helps out the senior citizens, and the people here are really great. It’s also very easy to get to and I can come

Lions continue their love of the environment and the community with Bags to Benches

In February of 2020, to keep the environment clean, the Rondout Valley Lions Club teamed with Trex Inc. in the challenge of collecting 500 pounds or more of plastic every six months in exchange for one of Trex’s loveseat benches. Two benches are awarded per year. RVLC, who have been serving the towns of Marbletown, Rochester, Rosendale and Wawarsing since Oct. 18, 1950, are hoping to raise enough plastic to provide each town with a bench for their community use.

Their latest donation of a bench, number six, was given late last month to the Town of Rochester.

“None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the continued support of our good neighbors and friends,” explained Janet Sutter, RVLC treasurer. “Sincere thanks to a special lady, Rita Harkins at the Town of Rochester Recreation Center, for all her hard work sorting through the donated plastic … truly appreciated!”

New members, men and women of all ages, are wanted straight here from work.”

The program has been offered in Ulster County for over 12 years and gets some support from the county’s Office for the Aging. There are seven sites in the county. In addition to the site in Stone Ridge, there are sites in Saugerties, Kingston, Napanoch (Shawangunk Senior Center, Fridays), Gardiner and New Paltz. The program is funded by the IRS through their VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, plus funding from the AARP Foundation, an arm of the AARP.

Lerner, from Kerhonkson, said, “Volunteering gives me the satisfaction of giving back to the community. The program is well structured and run very professionally. Everyone I have had the opportunity to work with, from the national level to local volunteers, are great people and are committed to providing outstanding service to our clients. I believe volunteering in the program strengthens the community and brings people together. Many of our clients return each year, and during our time together we get to know them on a personal level. Our clients are always very grateful for completing and filing their taxes. I am so grateful to be a part of a rewarding and successful volunteer program.”

Elinor Olds, a client from Stone Ridge, said, “I have been coming here for about 10 years. I think the program is absolutely great. I’m not good at doing it myself so this is perfect. I must have a service to do my taxes, and I’d rather come here. First of all, it’s free, and I like the people here and have gotten to know them.”

The Marbletown site is open Wednesdays and Thurs- days from 9:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.. Appointments are required. “Tax preparation typically takes between 75 and 90 minutes. Each return is quality reviewed by a second ceritified counselor and discussed with the client, who leaves with a copy of a completed return,” said Tuel. To make an appointment to have your taxes prepared, send an email to: UlstertaxAide@gmail.com. and encouraged to join the Rondout Valley Lions Club, who help those in need, whether it is for sight, hearing, medical emergencies or any worthwhile cause. “We serve” is their motto, and this is what they do.

For more information on being included in the club’s next meeting, contact Sue Curcio, president, at otrlsc@ gmail.com or Janet Sutter, treasurer, at janet.sutter@aol. com.