FitzGerald Associates' Accounting Specialist Volunteers in 4th Ward Preparing Taxes
Chicago, Ill. (June 21, 2007) - When tax season rolls around each year, many people wish they could head for the hills as they’re confronted with packets of forms, new tax rules, and countless receipts. Clarence George, 33, of Evergreen Park, Accounting Specialist for the Chicago architecture firm FitzGerald Associates Architects, has a different outlook on this dreaded time of year.
In addition to preparing his own returns, for the last several years, George has taken the weekends prior to April 15th to spend time with citizens at Chicago’s 4th Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle’s Office as well as the South Shore Library to make sure their tax forms are properly filled out. Sessions typically last about five hours each day on weekends during tax season, and he says he prepares about 10 to 15 returns daily depending on the complexity of the filing.
“I’m there to make sure the citizens receive exactly what they deserve, but the driving factor is to assist them,” George said.
Originally finding the opportunity through his affiliation with the National Association of Black Accountants, he has volunteered with VITA, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, since 2004. VITA is a cooperative program between the IRS and several states including Illinois. The program connects qualified volunteers with those individuals who earn a low or moderate income and are unable to file their own tax returns. The IRS provides laptop computers, tax software, and free online E-Filing.
In order to qualify as a volunteer, George is required to attend instructional sessions to update all applicants on any changes to the year’s tax laws and forms and complete an exam to demonstrate his accounting proficiency.
“I’ve received several benefits from volunteer organizations over the years,” George said. “I welcomed the opportunity to help those people who probably would not be able to afford to hire a tax professional.”
“Clarence is a great example of the volunteer spirit that we try to foster at FitzGerald Associates,” said FitzGerald Associates managing principal Pat FitzGerald. “We’re pleased to see our staff members finding opportunities to use their specific talents within their own communities.”
Clarence George joined FitzGerald Associates Architects as an Accounting Specialist in 1999. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Chicago State University 1999. Prior to graduation, Clarence served as an intern with the Chicago Department of Buildings where he was introduced to all aspects of the permit acquisition process.
Established in 1919 as Rissman & Hirschfeld, FitzGerald Associates Architects is a fourth generation Chicago architectural firm. The firm offers its clients a continuum of residential and commercial design services, including development feasibility studies; site design and planning; architectural design; space planning; interior design; historical research and restoration; contract documents and specifications; permit acquisitions; and field observations. For more information call 312.563.9100. |
