Free tax help from AARP at two NFM locations
He’s one of the unsung heros in the area for people who need help with their taxes.
Gordon Foster is the district coordinator of the AARP’s free tax preparation service, which is offered at both the North Fort Myers Library and The North Forts Myers Community Park Center.
Volunteers just started last week taking appointments and helping calculate taxes for free for many North Fort Myers residents.
The program has become so popular appointments at the North Fort Myers library are already booked through March 5, but there are still spots at the park center if you need help.
“I’ve been doing this for nine years, but we have one volunteer that has being volunteering this for 20 years,” Foster said.
That volunteer is North Fort Myers resident Frank Fatica.
“Frank is a survivor from going from strictly paper forms to the computer,” Foster said.
“I love the computer filing,” Fanica said. “And doing this is a lot of fun.”
All the volunteers go through special training, and they make what could be a stressful situation fun indeed.
“This is a very good program,” said Jerry Gawne, who had his taxes done by Fanica, “I think the whole thing is wonderful for the community.”
Senior Parks & Recreation Specialists Christine Susterich and Libby Olive at the park are big fans of Gordon and all his volunteers.
“They are terrific,” said Susterich.
Foster has coordinated the program in this area for nine years.
“We have 65 volunteers, up five from last year,” he said. “They enjoy helping people. They wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t.”
“They are lifesavers for us and wonderful people,” said head librarian Maryellen Woodside. The library is a hot spot for people to pick up tax forms and instruction books. “We can’t give out tax information, yet we do get a lot of questions. The other tradeoff is that many come in here and see all of the things we have to offer at the library.”
To get one of the spots for a preparation, sign up at the library for both locations in person. A book is at the tax table near the entrance.
“We did about 2,000 returns last year between the two locations,” Foster said. “Our average age is about 61, with an income of about $26,000, and 80 percent do standard deductions. Ninety percent of the people we see have done this before.
“We serve mainly low to middle income individuals but there is no dollar qualification. We do have a preference to those over 60.”
He said there are some reasons to file early this year.
“If you are a first time home buyer or a person who has lived in your home five out of the last eight years, and buy a new home, that’s important. It (new home) will be your principal residence and you can get an 8 to 10 percent deduction up to $8,000. We’ve already done about 100 returns and three of those qualify.”
He also said that if you bought a new car, motorhome or motorcycle you can get a credit for the sales tax you paid.
“Make sure you bring a copy of the sales contract for a home or car if you come here.”
He also talked about an energy credit.
“If you bought energy efficient appliances or windows you can receive a 30 percent credit up to $4,500 of expenses. Your contractor will know if they are energy efficient and they’ll give you a slip stating that.”
Sign up at the NFM Library only for appointments at North Park Community Center or appointments at the library. The library is located at 2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE. For information call 533-4320.