The Herald’s Feb. 21 story about Pueblo’s AARP Tax Aide program shows the willingness of volunteers to help others with the sometimes daunting task of tax preparation. I would like your readers to know that there is a similar organization in Durango. The Durango–La Plata VITA group has been helping people with their taxes since 1985. Currently the group has 20 volunteers and prepares about 350 returns per year at no charge to taxpayers. We are also available to help qualified taxpayers who have heard from the IRS about problems with their return. As with the Pueblo program, all our preparers have taken IRS training and passed IRS certification tests.
Most taxpayers with incomes of up to $54,000 qualify for our service. Taxpayers who are age 60 or older can make a Monday appointment with the Senior Center by calling 382-6445. Taxpayers of all ages can make a Saturday appointment by calling 335-9776.
There are two other groups that also prepare taxes in the Durango area. These are Southwest Colorado Community College, who has partnered with Tax Help Colorado, and Compañeros.
Dick Reitz
Durango
