A Reminder That We All Have Something To Give

How a low-income client reminded me of what’s important.

“I’m indigent,” a client told me today. His shirt was in tatters from excessive wear, and the aroma following him was far from floral, but my heart went out to him. He had nothing, but was trying to do his best.

“I can’t pay today unless you can take it out of my refund,” he continued. His eyes told me he was expecting me to say no.

As a tax preparer, the only legal way to do what he was asking is with a refund anticipation loan, and my firm doesn’t partner with a bank. Generally, we require payment before we e-file.

“Let’s see what we can do,” I told him with a smile, and I took the few documents he had with him. His response made me wonder how long it had been since anyone had smiled at him.

A quick scan through his papers told me he was due a refund, and I thought to myself how I would not charge him as a kindness. It surprised me what he said next.

“I have to pay something,” he told me.

“I have to pay something,” he told me. “It wouldn’t be right otherwise.”

Looking at him for a long moment, I saw more than the ragged clothes and lack of hygiene. I noticed how his face was drawn on one side, likely the result of a stroke. As we discussed his return, I noticed as he turned his head to one side to see what I was showing him. It was clear he couldn’t see out of one eye. I was more inclined than ever to supply my services for free.

I’m not a rich man. In fact, in many states, I only make a pittance over minimum wage. It’s probably not a fair wage for the knowledge and skill I have, but it’s the price of living in a small town in rural Tennessee.

As poor as I think I am, it cut me deep inside to see my client’s annual wages at less than a quarter of mine.

“I couldn’t work,” he told me, thinking I needed an explanation, but I didn’t. It was unmistakable the difficulties he was facing.

If you have a chance to be kind today, take it.

When I finished printing his tax return, the subject turned back to my fee.

“I must pay something,” he repeated. “I can leave you something of value until I come back.”

I couldn’t take anything from the man, not when he already had so little, and that involved not taking his pride. So, I asked him what he could afford, and we decided on a price. He promised to return.

Maybe he won’t come back. Maybe he knew how to play the game and quickly caught on to which of my buttons to press, but I don’t think so. I believe he’s a good man trying to overcome a lifetime of misfortune.

In the end, it doesn’t matter if he comes back. As I told him, “God will make sure I have food to eat whether you pay me or not.” But I imagine I will see him again, cash in his hand, pride intact.

If you have a chance to be kind today, take it. I may not have made my client’s day, but he made mine. He reminded me of how much I have, and that there’s always a way to help others.

Until next time, keep fighting.

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