By Christa Morton
Community Life Editor
Volunteers in the Milligan community are helping make life a little bit easier for students and the public. Dr. Harold Branstrator and his team are offering a free tax filing service.
Dr. Harold Branstrator, assistant professor of business administration said he wants to encourage students to use the service.
“Come get it done here,” he said. “We’re helpful, friendly and can answer any questions.”
For the past four years, Milligan has offered students and the community the free tax filing service. The college teamed up with Washington County and Catholic Charities of Jonesborough. The organizations wanted to find a way to give back to the community.
Eight Milligan students volunteer alongside Dr. Branstrator. They were required to undergo18 hours of training before they were eligible to help with the service.. The students will receive one hour of credit but will have spent between 50 and 60 hours working at the end of tax season.
The whole process takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Typically, clients receive their tax return money in less than 10 days.
Johnson City resident Robin Moore used the service for the first time this year. She stressed it was a very positive experience.
“It was great, I’ll definitely be returning next year,” she said. “It took maybe 15 minutes.”
Senior Alisa Rickard and sophomore Samantha Rushing are two of the eight student volunteers. Both spent four hours doing tax returns last Tuesday night.
Rickard, who aspires to pursue a career in marketing, enjoys helping students and community members prepare their taxes.
“I really enjoyed helping people get money back,” Rickard said. “It’s my way of helping out as a student and its nice to know how to do your own taxes.”
Dr. Branstrator, said he has been doing this service for the public for 20 years. He started preparing taxes in California before moving to Milligan in 2007.
“This is good for local community impact,” Dr. Branstrator said. And it is a good way of community outreach.”
Below is the schedule for the free tax service:
MONDAY
9 am- 12noon – Johnson City Housing Authority, 500 Washington Avenue, Johnson City. Call 423-926-3225 for an appointment.
1-3 pm – The River Ministry, 125 W. Main Street, Johnson City. Call 423-926-8111 for an appointment.
5-8 pm – Washington County Office Building, 103 W. Main St, Jonesborough. Call 423-753-0393 for an appointment.
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
4-8 pm – Milligan College Price Business Center, (Hardin Hall). Call 423-975-8027 for an appointment.
WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY
10 am- 2 pm – Catholic Charities, 703 East Jackson Boulevard (Highway 11E), Jonesborough. Call 423-753-0393 for an appointment.
SATURDAY
10am-2pm – Grandview Christian Church, 300 University Parkway, Johnson City. Call 423-753-0393 for an appointment.
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