“For some low-income families, their tax refund check is larger than any paycheck they receive during the year,” says Janet Salm of United Way of King County, which sponsors the program.

Airport 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.

Employees who took advantage of the service 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 own rewards

Those helping prepare returns reported it had its own rewards. In the words of one volunteer:

“I met immigrant families struggling to make a living, yet full of hope and optimism. I met single parent families living off social assistance programs facing overwhelming odds. I met former retirees having to return to work. They are all good people needing a little help and I'm glad that I could make their lives a little easier. They certainly made my life a whole lot richer.”