I decided to volunteer with the United Way here in Pittsburgh during the tax season. I wanted to do this in part to I feel I am doing something productive, in part to make sure I get out of the house, and i
n part to be a little more involved with the Pittsburgh community. Last week I completed my training to be a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA). I can only help do 'basic' tax returns, but I've been enjoying understanding more of the tax process and lingo. I'm working at a center for families in East Liberty. It is a part of town with a lot of character and has seen some better days. Two days a week I help prepare taxes for a few hours, and two days a week I help answer questions for people who are getting ready to do their taxes.The United Way and the Center I'm working at have teamed up with a group that offers a debit card to people who don't have checking accounts or are otherwise 'outside' the banking system, but still want a direct deposit. It helps prevent people from going to payday loan shops to cash their refund. The tax preparation we do is for free, so we are also saving people money there too.
We see a lot of different people, but most have been on the edge of poverty. Case in point. I helped a lady earlier this week that went to a paid tax preperation site, like an H&R Block, and was going to have to pay about $500 just for having them help. Bummer:( On top of that she didn't have any kind of bank account and was planning on going to a payday loan place that would take a hefty % for its services as well as charge outrageous interest. She came to the center and got her taxes done for free, and was set up with a free debit card to receive her refund. In the end she was able to keep more of her refund, which from the looks of it, was sorely needed.
I admit, growing up, I have felt that taxes are a fairly negative thing. You know, the whole, "I have to pay the government, which can be extremely inefficient" thing. Since about the time of my mission I feel that perspective has slowly changed to one of more appreciation. It allows access to schools, libraries, transportation, etc.. All things I enjoy and have taken advantage of and can't really complain about. Volunteering here this year has opened my eyes to a whole other side of the tax system(for lack of a better term). I'm surprised at how much is given out to help families and individuals who are really struggling. Some of the people I've seen, single parents with 2-4 children are, in some cases, able to get thousands of dollars through credits and refunds. It is obvious to me that in some cases it is sourly needed and might even save lives. For me, I think that is wonderful and I'm glad I can be a part of that. I understand some people might take advantage of some of these benefits, but I'm glad they exist for the people I've been getting to know, whose lives I can clearly see need it.
