Paying It Forward with Every Return: 15 Years of Volunteer Tax Service

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Charles Labahn. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

For over 15 years, Charles Labahn has turned his professional expertise into a powerful force for good. As a retired CPA, Charles now volunteers through the IRS VITA program, dedicating his time and talent to help individuals and families in Morgan and Limestone Counties confidently navigate the complexities of tax season. With over 500 hours of volunteer service annually, he not only simplifies taxes for thousands but also empowers people with financial clarity and peace of mind. 

Serving as the site coordinator for the VITA tax service at the Decatur Public Library, Charles is the linchpin of a program that returns more than $1.1 million in federal refunds to the community each year. That’s real, spendable income going back into local households—money that can help pay bills, fund education or cover critical healthcare costs. His team of 14 tax counselors is a well-oiled machine, thanks to Charles’s leadership, which includes recruiting new volunteers, overseeing training and managing complex filing operations. 

Charles brings deep knowledge, patience and an ability to explain tax law in clear, practical terms. This is a rare gift—and it’s one that benefits over 1,500 taxpayers each year. But Charles’s contributions begin long before February 1. Each November and January, he leads rigorous tax law update training for all 32 volunteers spread across three RSVP-sponsored sites in Ardmore, Athens and Decatur. He’s the kind of leader who makes sure others succeed, offering not just expertise, but mentorship and support.

Then, once tax season is in full swing, Charles spends 30 hours per week preparing tax returns, reviewing IRS rejections, transmitting filings and ensuring that every detail is correct. His thoroughness, especially when it comes to assisting low- and moderate-income households, means that clients get the best outcome possible—without the stress or expense of commercial services. His impact is especially profound for seniors, immigrants and those unfamiliar with tax codes. By making services accessible and completely free, Charles plays a critical role in financial stability across the region.  

Tell us about your volunteer role. 

My volunteer role is the site coordinator for the VITA tax program sponsored by the IRS and located at the Decatur, Alabama Public Library. The site is sponsored by RSVP/Hands On Athens. I am also available all year long to help individuals who have filed their tax returns through our program with any correspondence that they receive pertaining to their returns. I also prepare and teach two classes to our volunteers about tax law changes and our software updates. 

Why is volunteering so important to you? 

We are able to save our clients tax preparation fees and deliver a professional service free of charge. 

What inspired you to get started with this initiative? 

I was a partner in a CPA firm in another state and after moving to Alabama I saw an article in the local newspaper about the VITA site. I love helping people, so when I saw the article, I immediately called them to volunteer my 30 years of income tax work.   

At first, they said that they had all the volunteers that they needed for the year, but after I told them my background, I got a call the next day to come in and pick up the materials and pass the IRS test. That was 15 years ago and I am still volunteering. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

I hope that we can keep the program going for the years to come. The VITA program has been around for years, but in this time of unsettled spending by the government, I hope this program will continue on. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

The reward of getting a big thank you from our clients, and hearing them say that they can’t believe that I volunteer all of my time and don’t get paid! 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Just get in and volunteer in an area that you have an interest in. Remember that maybe your past work experience could be of help somewhere. 

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

When I retired, I was worried about what I would do, because I didn’t have any real hobbies, but I do like to travel the world. When I saw the article about the VITA site, which was right down my line, I jumped in and volunteered my time and knowledge back to the community. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Charles? Find local volunteer opportunities.