Program aids Spanish speakers with taxes

What if you had to do your income taxes in a foreign language? \nSome Spanish speakers in Bloomington struggle with this problem. But with the help of the Bilingual Tax Assistant service at the Monroe Public Library, more than 200 people are receiving tax support.\n"Spanish speakers need to pay their taxes and get the money they deserve," said Coordinator of Volunteers Mary Bent. "Many times it's impossible for them to pay their taxes because of the language barrier."\nBeginning Feb. 9 through April 15, the library will offer translators to assist Spanish speakers. The program hours are 3 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The service plans to advertise at local businesses and churches.\nThe volunteers will be trained, complete an exam and serve as a translator between the client and accountant. \n"I want to help," said volunteer Soli Mercado. "I want to do something for the Bloomington community."\nVolunteers are expected to be comfortable with languages but do not need to have experience with taxes.\n"The volunteers should be empathetic, patient and enjoy helping the public," said Bent. "They should be public spirited."\nThe Bilingual Tax Assistant program is also offered in Columbus, Ind., Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. The shift in Indiana's demographic is showing a growing number of native speakers of Spanish in the state. With more than 4,000 Hispanics in Bloomington alone, there is a demand for the tax assistance program.\n"Spanish speakers are part of our community," said Special Program Assistant Maria File-Muriel. "We need to respond collectively and offer services."\nWith five to six clients seeking help each day, a volunteer can be overwhelmed.\n"Sometimes, there's a misunderstanding of tax law," said Bent. "There's a lot of red tape and required paperwork."\nEven with a few frustrations, coordinators expect the rewards of a volunteer to be positive. Volunteers will improve their communication skills and explore personal strengths.\n"A lot of people who don't speak English want to pay taxes," said Mercado. "Now, they'll have the opportunity to do the right thing."\n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.