Center wants to offer happier returns at tax time

Call the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City at 634-7776 for an appointment.

A four-digit refund check may be headed to Lloyd Keller's home this spring.

In the spirit of tax season, more than 25 community volunteers have been helping clients of the Samaritan Center fill-out their tax forms.

Not only are they helping those who have been delinquent in filing, but thousands of unclaimed credit dollars are being distributed to those eligible.

"I'm confident there are lots of people out there who are eligible, if we could just get them to come in," said certified public accountant volunteer Jim LePage, who is also the Cole County auditor.

Like Keller, many low-income folks are not required to file income taxes because they do not make enough money, LePage said.

But if an individual is disabled or older than age 60, he may qualify for the state Property-Rental Tax Credit.

And others who have been employed may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

Last year, about 60 Samaritan Center clients received $43,380 cumulatively in tax credits and refunds.

Complicated forms and an unjustified fear of Uncle Sam keep many from checking into the benefits, said organizer Lou DeFeo.

"Our program removes those barriers," DeFeo said.

The earned income credit may be up to $4,000 and the property-rental credit is up to $750 per year.

Plus some individuals have even found unclaimed withholdings too, DeFeo said.

"We have some from last year, who will follow on their own this year," said organizer Bill Anthony.

Even if the credits are applied to a clients back-log of child support payments or to unfiled tax penalties, "it helps get them past the hurdles in life," Anthony said.

"So they're not dodging the problems, but take care of some debts."

Keller visited with LePage twice. Although he didn't have all the documents he needed the first time, LePage personally drove him to several offices to collect the paperwork.

LePage said Keller should receive a substantial check.

"I'll put some of it away for savings," Keller said.

Without the help from Samaritan Center volunteers, Keller said he probably wouldn't have filed for the credits.

"I'm sure glad they're here to help people take advantage and not let it go."

As part of the Samaritan Center's larger philosophy, the tax assistance will help individuals become more self-sufficient and independent.

"This gave him a pride -- this is his money and he can take care of himself," LePage said of Keller.

The center uses the program as a positive leverage for the clients, DeFeo said.

Clients are not eligible for the center's other cash benefits unless they have proven an attempt to determine their tax credit eligibility.

"We want them to walk out feeling they were treated with dignity in a confidential manner and help them have a less stressful and better life," DeFeo said.

Samaritan Center volunteer Jim LePage, right, helps Lloyd Keller with his tax preparation. Keller, who is blind, relies on LePage and the center this time of year for help. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)