Judy Petrie of Staples can’t say enough good about the free AARP sponsored tax service that’s available in her home town.

“Can you tell I’m excited about it?” Judy says enthusiastically at the Staples Senior Center where she and a few other trained volunteers can be found every Wednesday afternoon through tax season.

“We’re here to help the elderly and others that need assistance with their taxes,” Judy said. “It’s a great program and I hope more people will utilize it.”

This service is designed to help people 60 years and older, as well as those who have low to moderate income levels. In Todd County, the AARP program is available only at locations in Long Prairie and Staples.

“We’re fortunate that there isn’t any charge for the use of this building, either,” Judy said of the Senior Center located in the Staples Community Center.

Some weeks are busier than others, but Judy estimates that on average, there are about 16 - 20 people that utilize the free tax program in Staples each Wednesday. “You don’t have to make an appointment...

we operate on a walk-in basis. First come, first serve,” she adds.

Judy is the client facilitator for the tax program; Martha Rach, Joretta Jasmer and Anita Wilson are all volunteer counselors. Mary Terwey, Long Prairie, is the local coordinator for Todd County. She is also an instructor for the program.

To be qualified as a tax counselor, all volunteers are required to take a weeklong training course in January. The classes are intense and there are tests to pass. “You need to be current on all of the tax laws,” Judy shares. “Unless you pass the test, you are not allowed to prepare taxes for others.”

There are high standards placed on volunteer tax counselors, Judy said. “If you don’t cut the mustard, you are not allowed to continue. This is necessary to protect the people that need protection.”

All up-to-date tax forms are supplied to AARP through the IRS; and can be filed electronically or sent by ‘snail mail.’

“Everything that takes place here is confidential,” Judy stresses. “We also want people to know that the work we do is professional and thorough. ”

One counselor does the return; and

another counselor does the quality review. “So, two sets of eye balls look it over,” Judy

said.

Unless they get a call back from their counselor telling them there was a problem, people can assume that all is fine with their tax return.

Judy loves her volunteer job. “I used to work for H&R Block years ago when we lived in Minneapolis; I’ve always loved this sort of work.” she said. “When Virg (her husband) died in 2003, I became a volunteer.”

For Martha Rach of Staples, now in her early 80’s, preparing tax returns is second nature.

“I’ve probably been doing this for at least 60 years,” Martha said, adding that she first worked for Barker & Barrett Insurance Agency in Staples before she had her kids.

Martha bought the business in 1974 and operated Rach’s Insurance Agency for over a decade. “I sold it in 1988; but have always kept working. I went from being a paid preparer to volunteering almost right away.”

Martha said she felt it was time to give something back to God. “He gave me this talent...I want to use it as long as I’m able.”

In addition to their income taxes, folks can get assistance with their rent credit and property tax refund forms.

There are some things that they are not able to do; such as tax returns for businesses, or people with high incomes, Judy explains.

However, if help is needed with filing

basic tax returns, Judy encourages people

to check out the free services in Staples. “Just make sure to bring all of the information

you would bring to any other tax preparer, including last year’s return,” she adds.

One thing people might not be aware of, Judy said, is that there is a lower income motor fuels tax credit available to people who qualify. “It’s a $25 refund...new to Minnesota this year.”

Judy said she is grateful for AARP and for their tax-aide program, in particular. “There are so many people on fixed incomes...and others affected by the economy. They can’t afford to pay to have their taxes done. I’m so glad this is available.”