FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Michelle Stobnicke Business and Occupational Studies Phone: (505) 428-1659 Jill Janov Marketing and Public Relations Phone: (505) 428-1776 SFCC Class Combines Tax Preparation and Community Service Jan. 16, 2004 — A new class offered at Santa Fe Community College will teach students how to prepare simple tax returns and give back to their community at the same time. The class is part of TAX HELP New Mexico, an organization designed to help elderly and low-income individuals prepare their tax returns through partnerships with post-secondary educational institutes in New Mexico. Beginning Jan. 20, students enrolled in Acct. 140 will receive six weeks of training in tax return preparation, including software use and electronic filing procedures. Students will spend the following six weeks helping SFCC employees and students with incomes under $35,000 complete their returns. Community members outside the college will be able to access help with their taxes once instructors and students have completed the initial year of the program. “The students learn a skill that’s incredible,” said Gail Terzuola, director of SFCC’s ServiceLearning Department. “In addition, it benefits the community because so many people who make under $35,000, especially other students, often don’t apply for their earned-income tax credit,” she adds. -more- SFCC Tax Class (page 2) The class is open to all students and there is no prerequisite for registration. “It’s fun and very fulfilling,” says Michelle Stobnicke, chair of SFCC’s Business and Occupational Studies department, who encourages nontraditional students to sign up for the course. “It’s a real opportunity for retired adults who want to give back to the community.” TAX HELP New Mexico is sponsored by PNM and its partners include the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute. The Internal Revenue Service and the New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue are among its affiliate partners. About Santa Fe Community College Santa Fe Community College serves more than 14,500 students per year in its credit, noncredit and adult basic education programs. The 20-year-old college offers academic, career and personal-enrichment programs and services to meet the needs of business, government and the region’s diverse population. The college contributes to the area’s economic, technological and cultural development by offering programs ranging from art to business management and directly addresses regional job shortages through its nursing, teacher education and culinary arts programs. For further information, visit www.sfccnm.edu or call (505) 428-1000. ###