Carmen Paulino is hard at work, volunteering to help people file their taxes at Ariva, an organization dedicated to leveling the economic playing field for disadvantaged communities.
"They deserve this money and they're entitled to it, and it belongs in their pockets. But even more important than that, they really need it," Paulino said.
What You Need To Know
- Carmen Paulino has helped hundreds of people sort through their taxes in the last decade
- She began the volunteer work to help Spanish-speaking communities like hers get back every penny they could during tax season
- Paulino is a perpetual volunteer, helping out at churches throughout Manhattan and serving on her community board
Paulino’s commitment to her community stems from her upbringing in a Dominican household in Washington Heights, where she witnessed firsthand how neighbors supported one another.
"Let's just say my mother's working, and I am getting home early and she's not home yet, so she's asked her neighbors if I can stay at their apartment for a while," Paulino said.
Paulino began volunteering with Ariva in 2015 through New York Cares, a large volunteer network in the city. The opportunity resonated with her.
"Normally in places like the South Bronx, Washington Heights, the demographics are usually older Spanish-speaking clients, and I know that sometimes it's very difficult for them to get access to things."
She quickly saw the impact of her work.
"I saw someone almost tearing because they were getting back $1,000," she said.
Since then, Paulino has helped file up to 100 tax returns each year. She assists with the process and provides an extra set of eyes to ensure accuracy.
"Sometimes they're receiving about $7,000, $8,000. And that's actually life-changing for them," she said.
Paulino takes particular pride in assisting Spanish-speaking New Yorkers.
“Because you're speaking to someone, they—you just automatically feel more comfortable with because they speak your native language,” she said. “They ask you even more questions.”
Beyond tax season, Paulino serves on her local community board, delivers meals to homebound seniors, and volunteers at her Harlem church. Her approach to service is rooted in deep personal connection.
"It's such a beautiful feeling just because this person could literally be my aunt, my grandmother, my sister, my cousin.”
For her dedication to making tax season—and other aspects of life in the city—easier for others, Paulino is our New Yorker of the Week.
