Who knew doing taxes could make you smile?
LOREN BENOIT/Press file Warren Fisher gives instructions to around 20 volunteers during an AARP Tax Aide class last year at Silver Lake Mall.
COEUR d’ALENE — When Warren Fisher tells people what he does for fun, he’s often met with surprise.
“I do other people’s income taxes for free,” he said.
Now he wants other people to join in the fun.
Fisher, the local coordinator for Idaho Tax-Aide, is seeking volunteers to help provide free tax preparation for taxpayers who live in Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties.
No experience is necessary, since Tax-Aide provides training. All that’s required is a willingness to help.
Volunteers come from all walks of life. Many are retired, but others work full- or part-time.
“We have everybody from carpenters to retired CPAs,” Fisher said. “We’ve got a gamut of people.”
“It is the most rewarding experience,” said Becky Baeth, who has volunteered with Tax-Aide for several years. “We meet the nicest people and it’s a joy to give back to the community.”
More than that, Fisher said, volunteering is simply a good time.
“We have more fun doing people’s returns than anybody else,” he said. “If we’re not having fun, then something isn’t right. The people who come in are so appreciative. It’s great fun to be with them.”
Info: 208-765-6589 or warrenfisher@prodigy.net