Students do your taxes

Students enrolled in college accounting classes at Elmont Memorial High School are volunteering their time to assist community members in preparing their income tax returns.

The high school students were taught to prepare tax returns using TaxWise software in class, under the direction of business education teacher Elizabeth McGarry. They then had an opportunity to take a certification exam through the Internal Revenue Service, with students scoring above an 80 on the exam becoming certified. 

McGarry and the students volunteer on Saturdays from February through April 11, preparing tax returns for individuals who earn below $55,000 free-of-charge at Bethpage Federal Credit Union in Elmont. They also prepare returns for community members at the office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.

“They are very capable,” McGarry said. “And they’re learning communication skills that will help them succeed in the future.”