No Job Too Taxing for Ex-IRS Man

John McConnell, a volunteer tax preparer at the East Valley Multipurpose Senior Center in North Hollywood, wastes no time.

McConnell, 82, of Studio City, has been helping others complete their tax forms since his retirement in 1983 from a 30-year career with the Internal Revenue Service.

On a recent Monday morning, his mouse clicked away as he typed numbers into a tax software program while his 72-year-old client, Alvin Ritchie of Sun Valley, sat waiting anxiously.

“I wanted to be early this year,” Ritchie said.

Like many seniors, Ritchie recently returned to the taxpaying rolls. He retired in 1988 and in the last few years he has been drawing cash from his IRA account and collecting pension payouts.

Although income taxes are not due this year until April 16, because the 15th falls on a Sunday, McConnell is already scheduling back-to-back hourly appointments with those who want a jump start.

“People with refunds come in early,” McConnell said. “Those that owe come in last.”

Some have been coming to him year after year.

“It’s trust. John has been here a long time,” said volunteer coordinator Siouxsie Calderon. “He gives a sound response to people’s questions and he’s a good listener.”

McConnell was an appellate officer in the IRS’ downtown Los Angeles offices, where as an attorney he negotiated settlements and mediated disputes between the IRS and taxpayers.

“I liked my work,” he said. “You feel a sense of accomplishment if you can dispose of a lawsuit without litigating.”

Immediately after retiring 17 years ago, he began offering his services free to the senior center. “I feel a responsibility to [give something back]. Volunteer work keeps you up to date.”

McConnell attends training classes with the IRS each year to keep abreast of new tax laws. From February through April he and two other volunteer tax preparers take appointments Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

This is the first year the center has used software to prepare tax forms, which McConnell said eliminates mistakes and cuts the preparation time in half. Clients may file electronically or by mail.

The service is available to seniors over 60 and others who demonstrate financial need. Appointments are scheduled in advance. The center also provides tax help to shut-ins and sends preparers to apartments and senior residential complexes in the East Valley.

McConnell said this year may be his last as a volunteer. His wife of nearly 50 years and lifelong ballroom dancing partner died last fall. His is considering moving closer to a daughter who lives in Northern California, where he may move into a retirement complex.

“I expect to have plenty to do up there,” he said. “I hear they’ve got an excellent gym and dance groups. I might just look around for a partner.”

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