Northwoods Seniors are getting free help filling out their federal and state tax forms from local volunteers, one of whom is getting real-life experience as she gets an accounting degree.
Angie Payfer helps two mornings per week at the Oneida County Senior Center in Rhinelander. She's a Nicolet College Accounting student. She and other volunteers do the federal and state paperwork and will e-file the returns.
Payfer says many Seniors are relieved to find out the paperwork is done and their taxes are filed..
".....sometimes they come in a little bit nervous, they're not sure what is going to happen. I've had a lot of comments, 'well, that was easier than I thought it was going to be', They feel great as they walk out and that makes us as volunteers feel great that we were able to help them that way, too...."
She says all seniors have to do is send in a check if they owe money. Payfer says the volunteer work has been rewarding....
".....I have learned so much in the month and a half since I've been volunteering. The knowledge that I've gained since doing the taxes is immeasurable. Just the real life, day-to-day and how it applies to the education I'm getting at Nicolet and being able to apply that in the real world....."
Payfer is graduating with her degree from Nicolet College this spring and says she would like to go on to get a Bachelor's degree.
Payfer says if Seniors have questions they should contact the center at 715-369-6170. At the moment, a center spokesperson says they have all appointments booked up, but people can get on a waiting list in case of cancelations.
