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From left to right: Keiji Oinoki and Bridget Marvel, volunteers, and Evelyn Marymee, United Way staff, review a tax return for accuracy.

Here's an easy way to help your employees keep more of what they earn: Publicize the free tax preparation service available at Airport Jobs.

The Airport Jobs office will be a free tax preparation site from February through April 2006. Airport employers who promote the service are key to the program's success.

"When employers promote this service, it really helps bring people in the door - and it builds a lot of goodwill among their employees," says Ruth Westerbeck, Program Manager, Airport Jobs.

Airport Jobs staff will be contacting employers in December to take orders for free materials to promote the service at their companies.

Helping working families keep more of what they earn
Airport employees will have their tax returns prepared by IRS-trained volunteers who will help them take advantage of all available tax credits.

Since the service is completely free, clients avoid high preparation fees and "rapid refund loans" that often drastically reduce the amount of their refund. Returns are filed electronically for a fast refund, usually in 10-12 days.

For some low-income families, their tax refund check is larger than any paycheck they receive during the year. Employers who offer their workers free tax preparation are helping boost their employees' annual income at virtually no cost.

Success is in the numbers
Last year, the free tax preparation site at Airport Jobs helped low-wage workers from the airport and vicinity file 324 tax returns, resulting in over $370,000 in refunds - money that returned directly to the local economy, and made life better for low-wage workers at airport companies.

Additional free tax preparation sites are located throughout the Seattle area, making them easily accessible to any taxpayer. "I was excited to hear about this service at the airport, because it is really easy for me to get here," says Angela Murphy, an airport employee who had her return prepared at Airport Jobs.

"Last year I went to a private tax preparer - and I won't do that again. This year, it took me less time to file and I got a larger refund. I will most definitely come here back next year," says Murphy.

Volunteers make a difference
Each free tax preparation site is staffed by volunteers and staff who have participated in an IRS training that sets them (and their clients) up for success. "It is surprising how well the training for this prepares you for doing the work," says Joe Young, a Microsoft employee in his first year as a volunteer tax preparer.

"I look at a return now, and I think 'oh, these are the requirements this person has to meet to get this credit'. I was even looking at a tax help book the other day in a store, and found some errors!"

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. Most 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.