FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2010
Contact: Dave Reville
Communications Director
802-951-1303
Vermont Tax-Aide Program Receives Laptop Donation
BURLINGTON, VT — The ARD office in Burlington has donated 11 laptop computers to the AARP Tax-Aide Program, according to Walt Keating, state coordinator for the volunteer-based, statewide program. “Most of the tax returns we do for Vermonters are entered and filed electronically,” said Keating. “Having these new laptops greatly increases our capacity enabling our counselors to efficiently serve hundreds of additional taxpayers.”
ARD and its staff have a history of supporting community service and are active in several organizations and activities. ARD, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Together ARD and Tetra Tech are creating practical, environmentally responsible solutions that ensure sustained development with a focus on agriculture, democracy and governance, economic growth, environment and natural resources, information and knowledge management, and water resources and infrastructure. ARD’s main office in Burlington employs 120 people.
Keating stressed the need for more laptops to help expand tax assistance services and better serve low income and elderly residents. “We hope any company or organization that is upgrading or replacing equipment will consider supporting our program in this way,” he said. “We are in great need of functioning, quality laptops and printers.” To inquire about donating laptops or printers, contact MJ Mullowney at (802) 578-3079.
AARP Tax-Aide is the largest free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service in the U.S. and serves low and moderate income citizens and seniors at community sites across the state. It is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Last year in Vermont, some 130 volunteer counselors helped file over 5,000 federal tax returns, 3,778 of which were eFiled along with 2,896 eFiled state returns.
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