GADC's Free Tax Preparation 2007
Ernest Sanders
Published: January 30, 2007
Several clients worked with volunteers from GADC & CEP to prepare their 2006 tax returns.
Ernest Sanders
A cold and breezy Saturday morning, and as early as 7:00 am, did not deter more than 40 Chicago residents from attending the 4th Annual Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation’s (GADC) Free Tax Preparation Clinic. Co-sponsored by the Center for Economic Progress (CEP), and the Auburn Gresham Resource Center, residents were eager to participate in this tax counseling project for the 1st time or return for a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time.
GADC volunteer greets a tax client returning for a 3rd year.
Ernest Sanders
Residents were greeted by Rudelle Stanley Lesley, a devoted volunteer for GADC, as he welcomed groups of 20 residents with hot coffee and donuts. Linda Johnson, GADC’s Business and Project Manager, distributed the most recent newsletter—The Vision—and informed the clients of GADC’s mission, upcoming events, including the third annual Financial Empowerment Class (FEC) Series. Some residents had to stand outside for a short period, while others completed their paperwork. But again, the weather did not deter them.
On Monday, CleanSlate’s, Glennetta Bell also contributed to the smooth logistical flow of clients as she gave them instructions on completing their tax intake forms.
GADC volunteer explains a tax preparation form to clients.
Ernest Sanders
Two new features this year enabled clients to directly deposit their refunds into two or more bank accounts and also receive a minimum of $30.00 from the IRS for a telephone Federal Exercise tax refund.
To assist tax clients with fundamental fiscal management of their tax refunds, GADC has also partnered with several local neighborhood banks to include Citibank, Chase, Fifth Third Bank, and Washington Mutual.
Glenda Johnson, a 2nd year participant and Chatham resident emphatically stated, “I love the convenience and the volunteers are wonderful. The set-up here is also amazing. I am especially glad I was able to directly deposit my refund into a checking account with a bank here in the community.
A banking partner with GADC helps to streamline client's tax refund.
Ernest Sanders
Her colleague, Ebony Croom, seemingly agreed and said, “It’s great that we were able to get a free checking account without any fees and have our refund become available in 8-10 days versus 8 weeks.” Ebony also smiled and said the preparation and filing time was not lengthy as she has experienced previously with other tax preparers.
Johnny and Freda Pittman, 3rd year participants and Ashburn residents, reiterated their positive experiences. Mr. Pittman said, “It’s the best thing that happened for us when filing our taxes each year.”
Tax client expresses his thanks for GADC's free tax preparation.
Ernest Sanders
Eddie Jones, a 1st time visitor, veteran, and resident of Auburn Gresham, said, “I can’t believe I did not know about this site sooner. My experience was very good and I will definitely recommend GADC’s free tax preparation site to everyone I know, starting with my family.” Mr. Jones was so excited because he obtained a refund and directly deposited it into an account with one of the GADC banking partner’s mentioned above, located near his home. Also, he was happy because this same banking partner has another location close to his workplace and did not charge him with astronomical administrative fees as he experienced previously with other banks and brand name tax preparers.
CEP volunteer helps a returning tax client with her 2006 tax preparation.
Ernest Sanders
William Hunt, a 3rd time visitor, senior, veteran, and resident of Auburn Gresham who walked with a cane, said “It might be difficult for me to walk, but I love coming to this tax site. It’s really the best thing that happened for me during tax season.” Mr. Hunt was also grateful to have a banking institution onsite because he was able to take advantage of their free checking account and directly deposit his refund into an account. It saved him a lot less effort when having to walk.
As part of the opening day and warm reception to tax clients, Citibank offered a program in which clients were eligible to receive “10,000 Thank You Points” which ultimately could be redeemed for a $100.00 Citibank Debit Card or be used to select gifts from a Citibank catalog.
CEP's Site Manger randomly audits a client's tax return in progress.
Ernest Sanders
Much of the site's success could also be attributed to the number of volunteers who helped with the logistics and tax preparation. “It’s great to have so many volunteers,” said Rhonda Jones, who has volunteered for the past 3 years. “Volunteers are the key to our output and producing quality tax returns for our clients,” said site manager Pamela Wafford.
The Greater Auburn Gresham Tax Site is located at 7903 South Racine and will be ongoing through April 14, 2007, Saturdays, 10:00 am. – 1:00 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Come early as lines start forming 2 hours prior to opening.
For more information about the Center for Economic Progress and to find a other free tax sites close to you in the metropolitan Chicagoland area, please visit www.centerforprogress.org/programs_chicagoland.html.
Posted in Business, Housing, Economic Development