Rowbotham & Company Provides Free Tax Help for Low-income Families

March 3, 2010

Marching into the Sixth year, Rowbotham & Co. has sponsored free tax preparation services for low-income families in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco through the local nonprofit Tax-Aid.

"Last year, we helped over 173 working families to receive $128,943 in tax refunds," says Harriet Leung, audit partner and volunteer leader of the site – this year at the Buchanan YMCA.

Rowbotham’s support doesn’t end with just one site however. Since 2007, Rowbotham’s Kenneth Lee has served as the President of Tax-Aid.

"Kenneth is the glue that helps us keep all of our operations going," says Tax-Aid Executive Director, Kristy Koberna. "His network through Rowbotham and other business organizations has been invaluable in helping us to develop volunteer leaders for every area of our work. We’re a tiny nonprofit – 99% of our work is volunteer."

The results speak for themselves. Last year over 1,000 volunteers served 4,020 families at 27 locations around the Bay Area – helping them to receive over $4,090,000 in refunds.

"We are proud of our ability to make such a direct and positive impact in our community," says managing partner Brian Rowbotham. "It is very rewarding to see the thrilled look on the face of a Tax-Aid client when they learn they are going to receive thousands of dollars in tax refunds. For many, their refunds go directly to pay off bills or provide food and clothing for their children."

"It’s not too late to join us," says Lee, noting that Tax-Aid is always seeking volunteers and no tax experience is required. "Just visit www.tax-aid.org for more information."