By Maggie Blackwell
mblackwell@salisburypost.com
Senior citizens in Rowan County can receive free tax preparation at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Tax counselors will be available every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Feb. 3 and ending April 14. An appointment is required. The center has started taking appointments.
“Tax Counseling for the Elderly” is a national program sponsored jointly by AARP and the Internal Revenue Service. It has been offered in Rowan County for the past 15 years. Last year, 850 people here made use of the service.
About 25 volunteers have been attending formal training on the current tax code and will offer their services this year.
The volunteers come from all walks of life. Bill Behrendt, a retired electrical engineer, has volunteered for the program for 10 years.
“I like helping people; I volunteer for various organizations. It keeps me busy and keeps my mind alert, especially staying current on tax code. We all enjoy helping the people who come.”
The number to call for appointments is 704-633-7862. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center is located at 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.