If you need help to lodge your tax returns this year, then it's time to head to Stafford Cottage in Bowral where ATO-accredited tax helper Marilyn Dowd is offering free services.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 66-year-old helper has worked with the ATO for about two decades.
Every Thursday, she volunteers at Stafford Cottage from 9.30am to 5pm to help the residents lodge their tax returns but time is running out with her final day of voluntary service on September 5.
She also volunteers at Goulbourn Mulwarree Library every Friday from 2pm to 5pm to help residents lodge their tax returns for free.
"After retiring, I started giving tax advise to people as a favour," she said. "Soon, I was asked to be a 'Tax Help' volunteer to offer the services to the community and I agreed.
"I have been a volunteer with 'Tax Help' for the past eight years. During that period, I offered free services in Moss Vale and now in Bowral and Goulburn.
"I have come across people who are lodging their tax returns for the first time and the elderly who want to ensure that the financials are in order for them," she said.
Ms Dowd said she moved to Goulburn from Moss Vale with her husband last year. "We fell in love with Goulburn and have now set up our home here," she said.
"The volunteer there could not make it. So, they asked me to fill in and I agreed," she said.
This program is available to people who have earned less than $60,000 and have simple tax affairs.
The team at Stafford Cottage would like the free service to continue until October but are in need of more volunteers to step up when Ms Dowd's time finishes on September 5.
A spokesperson said Highlands Community Centres, working from Stafford Cottage, had been a Tax Help Centre for the past 16 years.
"We are looking for a volunteer, or volunteers to run our Tax Help program again this year," they said.
You can become a volunteer is you are at least 18 years old, have lived in Australia permanently for the last two years, can use a computer or mobile device, meet the requirements of a pre-engagement check (which includes a police records check) and can complete training, online and in person.
If you are interested in becoming a Tax Help volunteer and would like more information, email your name, phone number, suburb and state where you live to Individuals Tax Help at SBITtaxhelp@ato.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can contact Joanne Thorne at Stafford Cottage on 4862 1122, or email info@highlandscommunity.org.au for further information.
