Andrew, thanks for a great story. You remind us of the challenging times many have faced during their working careers. One of my managers liked to say that the only real career path is the one in the rearview mirror. it is interesting to look back and see the trajectory our lives and careers have taken. Thanks for sharing yours.
Larry, thanks for the clarification and additional information. As I wrote, I've worked several years at a VITA site in Cape May County, NJ. One of those years I also worked at a local AARP site. A number of us worked at both sites. The training was the same and for all practical purposes the sites ran the same way. The VITA site had a higher percentage of non-retirement age clients, so it presented some different challenges. Your mention of calling your brother highlights one of the best parts of the program. As a preparer you have access to a large number of highly experienced preparers and verified tools to help as needed.
Thanks Ed. It will sound cliche and self-serving, but I do get a lot out of it. And the other volunteers are some of the smartest, kindest, and most caring people I have ever met.
Thanks Dick. TurboTax is much better at the Federal to State transtion. TaxSlayer requires a number of work arounds to manage the differences in the 2 tax codes.
I just heard from our site lead that 67 of the 76 taxpayers with an AGI under $10,000 were 65 or older. Most of the senior clients we serve have some SS benefits that are probably not taxed, so their total income could be larger than the $10,000 AGI would indicate. A single taxpayer with an average SS benefit of $24,000, and $10,000 of other taxable income (say IRA withdrawal), would have an AGI of $10,000, but none of their SS benefit would be taxable, and they would have no taxable income. Because of the new bonus senior deduction of $6,000, in 2025 a senior could have an AGI of $23,750 before owing any federal tax. Still a meager income for a retire in one of the more expensive parts of the country.
Comments
Thanks Andrew. You are so right - Jonathan is truly missed. I look forward to reading the new book.
Post: Money and Me by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from May 14, 2026
Andrew, thanks for a great story. You remind us of the challenging times many have faced during their working careers. One of my managers liked to say that the only real career path is the one in the rearview mirror. it is interesting to look back and see the trajectory our lives and careers have taken. Thanks for sharing yours.
Post: Starting Up – Part 2
Link to comment from May 14, 2026
Thanks Marilyn.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 12, 2026
Larry, thanks for the clarification and additional information. As I wrote, I've worked several years at a VITA site in Cape May County, NJ. One of those years I also worked at a local AARP site. A number of us worked at both sites. The training was the same and for all practical purposes the sites ran the same way. The VITA site had a higher percentage of non-retirement age clients, so it presented some different challenges. Your mention of calling your brother highlights one of the best parts of the program. As a preparer you have access to a large number of highly experienced preparers and verified tools to help as needed.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 12, 2026
Dave, here is a link to the AARP TaxAide site.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Ed. It will sound cliche and self-serving, but I do get a lot out of it. And the other volunteers are some of the smartest, kindest, and most caring people I have ever met.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Dick. TurboTax is much better at the Federal to State transtion. TaxSlayer requires a number of work arounds to manage the differences in the 2 tax codes.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Dan. Even thought I've only worked in this location for 3 years, I am already getting to know some of the clients.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
I just heard from our site lead that 67 of the 76 taxpayers with an AGI under $10,000 were 65 or older. Most of the senior clients we serve have some SS benefits that are probably not taxed, so their total income could be larger than the $10,000 AGI would indicate. A single taxpayer with an average SS benefit of $24,000, and $10,000 of other taxable income (say IRA withdrawal), would have an AGI of $10,000, but none of their SS benefit would be taxable, and they would have no taxable income. Because of the new bonus senior deduction of $6,000, in 2025 a senior could have an AGI of $23,750 before owing any federal tax. Still a meager income for a retire in one of the more expensive parts of the country.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Andrew.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026