The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Hundreds line up for tax assistance
Several Lorain residents lined up Aug. 17 in front of and around the block of the Lorain City Treasurer’s Office, 605 W. Fourth St., after they all received subpoenas to show up due to not filing their taxes properly.
The line, which ended at the office building, wrapped around Washington Avenue on to West Fifth Street, and started as far back as the Dollar General, 425 W. Fourth St., in Meridian Plaza.
“This is absolutely nuts,” said Lorain resident Angela Parks. “I’ve been in the line for a half hour and can’t see the end.
“This is the first time I’ve had to do this for Lorain; it’s not off to a great start.”
Parks said she was in the line due to confusion.
“There was something that wasn’t filed properly, and I think that is what you have with most people,” she said. “I have never seen anything like this.
“We all decided to come down here at the same time. Hopefully, it will all get straightened out.”
Justin Park, of Lorain, said there needs to be a better way.
“We need to have a better idea of what to do when you’re a newcomer to Lorain,” Park said. “I thought I was good to go, and then I get this in the mail and now have to come here.
“People have to miss work because of this. It’s ridiculous being in this line that won’t end anytime soon.”
Michelle Decredico, of Lorain, said she was in line because of tax problems related to being a college student.
“It was a situation with being a student at Ohio Business College,” Decredico said. “I wasn’t working, so I thought I had everything covered.
“I’m here to make sure the taxes, in regards to being a student, are squared away.”
Jalen Goodin, of Lorain, said the city has to improve its income tax collection system.
“You should be able to do this all online,” Goodin said. “You only have problems like this at the local level.
“You don’t see people lining the streets of Columbus or Washington, D.C. They should have an e-file system. I get my information back from H&R Block, but then have to walk up to this building in person; they need to have an upgrade.”
Goodin said the office is too small.
“That place can’t handle something like this,” he said. “There is not enough room in that building.
“They need to relocate or set up different stations throughout the city when you know people are going to be coming in droves. Set up in a school gym or something.”
Treasurer Terri Soto could not be reached for comment.