03-04-2025
Pay It 4Ward: A faithful Norman tax preparer works for free
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Tax season is here. It's a busy time for filers and preparers, and often overwhelming for taxpayers!
News 4 and First Fidelity Bank are honoring a faithful tax preparer who works for free.
He's a volunteer with the AARP Tax Preparation Team, who has been serving the Norman area for 25 years.
In the heart of Norman, on the second floor of Wellness Square, you'll find Fred Martin every Monday night diligently working on tax preparation for strangers.
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'He's doing a very necessary job. People don't want to do their taxes, or they can't do their taxes. He's there to get these people through that,' said fellow AARP Tax Aide John Fagen. 'If you could see the people and how they appreciate it. Some of them come in scared to death. They think the government is coming to get them.'
Fagen nominated his friend, Fred Martin, for a Pay It 4ward Award.
Martin recruited and organized this small army of tax preparers who serve anyone who walks in the door.
'He sucked me in about eight years ago, and I've been doing this ever since,' Fagen said.
Martin has carefully prepared tens of thousands of returns over the years.
The service is always free.
'I've tried to do it myself before, and it just didn't work out,' said Norman taxpayer, Paul Darata. 'I feel more comfortable if they're doing it.'
First Fidelity Bank's Matt Robinson presented Fagen with $400 for Fred Martin.
'We thank you so much for nominating Fred for Pay It 4ward. He does great work with the AARP Tax Aide Program right here in the middle of tax season,' Robinson said. 'I can't think of a better time to present $400 on behalf of First Fidelity Bank to pay it forward.'
John Fagen and tax aide Judy Ridgeway presented their friend with $400 in cash.
At 84 years old, Martin is still having a good time doing taxes.
'It's a good service and people appreciate it, and I'm able to do it,' said Martin. 'Thank you all. It's a fun thing to do. I encourage other volunteers out there to step up.'
Fred Martin and the AARP Tax Aide team help with tax returns every Monday night at 'The Well' in Norman from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
They also volunteer at the '12th Street Rec Center' in Norman on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
