May 2, 2016

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mesalands Community College recently had their New Mexico American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program in February and in March.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aid Program is the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. This program is available free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those 60 and older.

“We are so fortunate to be part of this national program, which provides training and equipment, allowing us to process tax returns for the public,” said Vicki Watson, SBDC Director at Mesalands. “Our major concern is helping seniors recapture their tax refunds at no cost.”

Watson reported that six volunteers assisted local seniors for 13 hours to e-file their income taxes. They had 103 error-free tax returns that resulted in a total of $34,329 ($21,486 federal and $12,843 state) in income tax refunds.

“SBDC’s function is to assist businesses to succeed,” Watson said. “A part of that is stimulating local sales and economic development.  Bringing tax refunds back into the economy is a viable part of that purpose.”

The SBDC at Mesalands Community College is located in Building C and is open 8 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, call (575) 461-4413, ext. 140.