Volunteer Tax Preparation--UPDATE

With the end of tax season, we completed volunteering at the tax preparation clinic in East Harlem.  Together, we prepared more than 60 returns.  We enjoyed the experience, despite the challenges.

The last day went smoothly.  The team was happy that tax season was nearly ended.  The returns were straightforward with no big surprises.  

Then, the last client walked in.  That last return won the award for complexity and completion time.  Most clients of the clinic file a federal return claiming the standard deduction with no schedules attached, plus a NYS state return.  The last return was very different:

      Federal Return:

• Form 1040
• Schedule A-charitable contributions and medical expenses
• Schedule B-interest
• Schedule C-one business with varied expenses
• Schedule C-another business with no income but significant expenses
• Schedule D-capital loss carryforward

      NY Return

• IT201
• IT204
• IT208
• IT112

      NJ Return

That's right.  The client worked in NJ part of the year.  So, we also prepared a NJ return. 

Needless to say, preparation and review took a few hours, with multiple team members pitching in.  Greg was the "lucky" volunteer who happened to get this complicated final client!  The client was an interesting person, to say the least.  Greg might base a character on the client some day, altering some key facts to protect the client's identity.   

We are looking forward to finding other New York Cares volunteer opportunities now that tax season is past.  Greg is still considering dog-walking.  Believe it or not, dog-walking is so popular that it is hard to find an available slot.  Who knew?