填补社区服务空白，繁荣布碌崙协会联手市议员庄文怡办公室连续举办免费报税活动，惠及数十名华裔低收入老人
针对华人社区社会服务资源匮乏的现状，繁荣布碌崙协会（Better Brooklyn Association）近日与市议员庄文怡（Susan Zhuang）办公室联手，帮助社区低收入长者开展了三期的免费报税服务活动。目前，前两期活动已圆满结束，不仅吸引了数十名老人踊跃参与，更揭示了社区在税务援助方面的迫切需求。
在已举办的前两期活动中，现场气氛热烈。不少前来求助的老人坦言，自己过去多年从未报过税。究其原因，一方面是由于语言障碍和对复杂税法的畏难情绪；另一方面，许多老人认为前往会计楼报税需支付一笔不小的费用，为了省钱宁愿放弃报税，即便这意味着他们错失了应得的政府退税或补贴。
繁荣布碌崙协会表示，这种“不报、不退”的现状说明华裔社区在必要的社会服务资源的短缺。正是有感于此，协会决定通过实际行动为长者排忧解难，确保他们能够享受到应有的社会福利。
在繁荣布碌崙协会志愿者与市议员庄文怡办公室成员的细心协助下，老人们顺利完成了申报工作。许多长者在办理完成报税后喜笑颜开，对工作人员的专业与耐心赞不绝口，满意而归。
为了继续服务更多民众，双方合作的第三期免费报税活动将于本月底（3月31日，周二）举行，时间为上午11:00 至 下午2:00，名额有限，请符合条件的低收入老人抓紧时间预约。预约电话： 929-775-7878（请务必提前预约）
繁荣布碌崙协会与庄文怡议员办公室呼吁社区民众关注自身税务权益，未来将继续探索更多公益项目，填补服务空缺，共同打造一个更繁荣、更互助的布碌崙社区。
Better Brooklyn Association Partners with Councilmember Susan Zhuang to Provide Free Tax Prep for Seniors
To address the shortage of social services in the Chinese community, the Better Brooklyn Association, in partnership with Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s office, is hosting a three-session free tax preparation program for low-income seniors.
The first two sessions saw a high turnout, highlighting a significant community need. Many participating seniors admitted they had never filed taxes before due to language barriers, complex regulations, or the high cost of professional accounting services. By skipping filings, many missed out on essential government refunds and credits.
“This ‘no-file, no-refund’ reality reflects a critical gap in community resources,” stated the Better Brooklyn Association. The initiative aims to remove these hurdles and ensure seniors receive the benefits they deserve.
With the patient guidance of volunteers and staff, dozens of seniors successfully filed their returns. The final session will take place on Tuesday, March 31, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Limited spots are available for eligible low-income seniors. Please call 929-775-7878 to make a mandatory appointment.
The Association and Councilmember Zhuang remain committed to launching more public interest projects to build a more supportive and prosperous Brooklyn