MONTICELLO — Tax season is in full swing as the deadline to file your return is just a couple of weeks away. People have a number of choices for how to file their returns. They can hire an accountant or use tax software. But one option folks may not have considered — or even known about — is turning to students at Monticello High School. And unlike using an accountant or tax software, this service is free.
For 11 years, the high school’s Academy of Finance has participated in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax preparation for people who make less than $54,000 per year, according to Susan Bahrenburg, the academy adviser.
This year, 29 seniors in the school’s financial decision-making class became certified tax preparers, Bahrenburg said. The students stay after school two to three days a week, and come in on some Saturdays, to work with community members on their taxes. “The kids work hard,” Bahrenburg said. “They feel really proud of what they do.” So far this year, she estimates students have saved the community more than $30,000 worth of tax preparation fees on more than 130 returns.
“The students feel really good that they can give back to their community in that way,” she said.
In 2017, students completed 196 tax returns, and Bahrenburg said they’re on pace to meet their goal of 200 this year.
Rosanne Briffa, of Bethel, said Monticello’s program has made doing her taxes a lot easier. “You can’t file your own taxes anymore,” Briffa said. “You have to do it electronically, and I don’t have the capability of doing it.” She praised the students, calling them intelligent, polite and courteous. “I came here last year and I was very happy,” Briffa added. “These kids are great.”
Andrea Goldberg, of Monticello, said she used to go to a certified public accountant for her taxes, but he kept raising his prices year after year. She called what they do at the school a fantastic service that benefits both parties involved. “It’s a good thing for them,” Goldberg said. “It’s a good thing for me.”
Sarah Yousef, 17, said she’s learned a lot from the financial decision-making class and having the opportunity to work with community members on their taxes. “I am actually prepared to get out of high school and face whatever the future throws at me,” she said. Yousef said she enjoys meeting new people and called it an amazing feeling knowing she’s helping them. “I know that it takes a lot of money to get taxes done, and I feel that it’s my responsibility to give back to the community by helping out our community members,” she added.
Most of the clients come back year after year, which speaks to the job the students are doing, Bahrenburg said.
Eric Shewmaker, a teacher who helps Bahrenburg oversee the program, said it’s great for students to get professional and business experience that will translate to other endeavors. “I think it’s really wonderful that Monticello has this,” Shewmaker said. “It’s something that the community needs.”