U.S. Rep. Sander Levin Visits Volunteers at Ferndale Tax Center

A month before Tax Day, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin visited the in Ferndale on Tuesday to meet with volunteers as they helped prepare tax returns for low- and middle-income families.

The Accounting Aid Society – one of the oldest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs in the country – provides tax assistance and promotes economic self-sufficiency to families, seniors and others in need through volunteerism and partnerships.

Last year, the society had 674 volunteers who helped more than 20,000 people to receive $24.4 million in total tax refunds and credits.

"I think it's important for the public to know and access," Levin said Tuesday of places like the tax center as he discussed the area's current economic issues and the hardships families are facing.

In his time in office, he said, "There's been no period like this of economic pressure."

"It's almost everywhere," Levin said. "This has hit home."

Eligibility for the center's free services is based on annual household incomes of $50,000 or less for families and $25,000 or less for individuals.

Levin, a Democrat who serves the 12th Congressional District that includes Ferndale, said Ferndale is a great spot for the center not only because it is centrally located and easily accessed. "It's part of the community spirit in Ferndale, if I must say so," he said. "There's a lot of it here."

The Ferndale facility is the only year-round center that the society operates outside of the city of Detroit. It is open six days a week during tax season.

Brenda Buford, of Detroit, visited the center Tuesday for help filing her taxes and also had the opportunity to meet Levin.

"I think it's important so he will understand the importance of this service to people," Buford said.

Kathleen Hatke Aro, president of the Accounting Aid Society, said the congressman's visit was very welcome and helps highlight what the society has to offer for local residents. "It's terrific," she said.

Marshall Hunt, a CPA who serves as director of the society's Tax Assistance Program, said it has been a good year at the Ferndale center so far with many people being helped.

"I think it's just great to see support of our government leaders for financial assistance for low to middle-income taxpayers," Hunt said.

Ferndale Patch .