Taxin' time at the Samaritan Center

Dwayne Rasmussen greeted Martha Russell with a smile and a handshake as the 80-year-old woman walked into the room.

While Martha discussed her family and volunteer work, Rasmussen was busy volunteering at the Samartan Center in Jefferson City to help her fill out state and federal tax returns.

Association of Government Accountants board member Dwayne Rasmussen, right, helps Caroline Stephens and Glen Stephens with state and federal income tax returns at the Samaritan Center. (Kelley McCall/News Tribune photo)

This is a unique opportunity for Rasmussen, who works with electronic filing at the Department of Revenue, and other members of the Mid-Missouri Chapter of the AGA (Association of Government Accountants) to volunteer their professional skills.

Dozens of local volunteers, including retired accounting professionals and bank employees, also will help the Samaritan Center tax assistance program through April.

Last year, through Earned Income Tax Credit, Property-Rental Tax Credit, Child Care Credit and other refunds, the Samaritan Center clients received $81,271.

For the AGA, this is one of many community service projects throughout the year. But they will have contributed about 100 volunteer hours to this one project by April 15.

“Not everyone who wants to help could help with taxes,” said Christa Brooks, a certified public accountant. “It's a rare opportunity to use my professional skills.”

Brooks, who is the special projects coordinator for the Department of Health and Senior Services, has a flexible schedule that will allow her to volunteer at the Samaritan Center from 1-4 p.m. each Friday through April 14.

“It's tremendous the Samaritan Center offers this to its clients,” Brooks said. “It's their refund. We're just helping them get it.”

The tax assistance isn't in competition with other local businesses.

But some people can't afford or shouldn't pay the costs for professional tax services, Rasmussen said.

And the financial questions and terms can be vague or frustrating, he added.

“It really helps to have someone to go through those papers with you,” said Russell, who has returned to the Samaritan Center for a second year of tax assistance. “They're so patient and do a good job.”

Volunteer spirit

The 320-member strong Mid-Missouri Chapter of AGA, formed in 1973, annually receives commendations and awards from the national office for its superb programs and community service efforts, said Jennifer Curtin, national AGA director of public affairs.

The local chapter volunteers as a group once a quarter to help the Samaritan Center's other services and they support several other agencies' causes both as a group and individually.

“There are so many worthwhile causes out there,” Brooks said. “I love volunteering and helping wherever I can.”

Mid-Missouri Chapter members have worked with Boys and Girls Club, Rape and Abuse Crisis Services, Camp Wonderland, The Salvation Army, Easter Seals and they provide an annual scholarship.

“We can paint and do taxes,” Kendall joked.

This year they're trying a new gimmick - “AGA-bay,” a play on the popular Web site “E-bay” auction site. They will post the local donations for bidding and returns will benefit an area charity.

“We try to be a little creative and keep things interesting,” Connie said.

The Association

Government and its employees should be accountable, not only with taxpayer money but in supporting their communities, said Connie Qutami, Chapter president.

In the shadow of Enron and other negative news about professional accountants and budget coordinators, “we need to let our community know we do have ethics and values,” Qutami said.

“We promote both government and personal accountability.”

Members span from Lake of the Ozarks to Kirksville to Sedalia, mostly state employees. But they also come from federal, county and local government offices.

The association has grown beyond just accountants, including those who work with audits, budgets and data, and offers continuing hours of training, pertinent information updates and an invaluable network.

The networking opportunities also benefit employers, as employees learn new, more efficient techniques from their counterparts, Qutami said.

The AGA offers its members training and continuing education to help keep up with the 40 hours required annually to maintain their certification.

“I work too hard for my credentials to lose them by not keeping up with the required CPEs,” Brooks said. “AGA provides low cost, quality training.”

Government Accounting Week is Feb. 27-March 3. And March has been declared Certified Government Financial Manager's month by the governor.

“Some people think we're accountants - so we're boring, stiff, dress in gray and don't know how to have a good time,” said Kay Hare, chapter director of community service. “But we are an organization that cares.”

Web links

www.midmosamaritan.org

www.midmoaga.org

Jill Delgado, right, assists Loretta Huskath with her state and federal income tax returns. (Kelley McCall/News Tribune photo)