Visit the e-UPDATE archives

	Upcoming Events
	Fall Job Fair  Thursday, October 21 10 am - 2 pm Sea-Tac Airport Auditorium Employer Symposium "Money For Nothing  (and the Tips for Free)" Wednesday, October 27, 2004 10 am - 12 pm Sea-Tac Airport Theater

Free tax preparation services provided by trained volunteers at the Airport Jobs Office helped dozens of airport employees save a bundle on their taxes this year.

"For some low-income families, the tax refund check from the IRS was larger than any paycheck they receive throughout the year," says Janet Salm of United Way of King County.

A volunteer prepares a tax return at Airport Jobs

Employers key to success
Many airport employers agreed to distribute brochures about the tax preparation services to their employees, giving the program an instant "stamp of approval" and bringing people in the door. Clients went back to their jobs reporting a good experience having their taxes prepared for free, and brought many of their colleagues in as well.

Employees who took advantage of the tax preparation services at Airport Jobs not only got their due from Uncle Sam, they also learned how to make the most of their returns by opening or expanding savings accounts, repairing credit, improving financial/budgeting skills, or starting individual development accounts.

"Offering workers free tax preparation services is a slam-dunk for employers - they can save their employees high tax preparation fees, and help boost their annual incomes, at virtually no cost to the company," says Salm.

Volunteers report their own rewards
The individuals who helped prepare returns reported the process had its own rewards for them as well. In the words of one tax preparer:

"In the brief time of preparing a tax return I got to know people a little. I met immigrant families who struggled to make a living but were full of hope and optimism. I met single parent families living off social assistance programs facing overwhelming odds in life. I met retirees having to go back to work. I met average, hard-working "Joe and Jane". They are all good people needing a little help and I'm glad that I can make their lives a little easier. They certainly made my life a whole lot richer."

About Airport Jobs

Airport Jobs is a complete job listing and employment information center serving over 100 Sea-Tac Airport and related employers. We have the tools to help you handle your company’s recruitment, selection, training and other human resource needs. Best of all, most of our services are free. 

Airport Jobs staff are ready to help your organization with current and future recruitment needs. Contact Ruth Westerbeck (phone: 206-835-7506, email: westerbeck.r@portseattle.org) to take advantage of Airport Jobs Employer Services. Learn more by visiting www.airportjobs.org.