News Releases
Law students to provide tax season help
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
See also:
VU students hone skills, help others prepare tax filings
Amy Lavalley
The Post-Tribune
February 2, 2008
Elderly and low-income taxpayers who need help preparing their income tax returns will again be able to turn to Valparaiso University School of Law students for assistance.
Valparaiso Law students are participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) community service program and will offer free tax preparation to eligible taxpayers beginning Feb. 2.
Taxpayers with annual income of $40,000 or less are eligible for the free tax preparation help if they have not received income from the sale of stocks, mutual funds or homes. Students will help prepare taxpayers’ federal and state income tax returns.
Nick Otis, a third-year law student and president of Valparaiso’s Richard Blennerhasset Tax Law Society, said 50 student volunteers are participating in the VITA program this year.
”VITA is a win-win situation for the community,” Otis said. “Law students gain valuable experience working with clients and many people in the community benefit from our free tax preparation. Last year we prepared 250 tax returns, saving taxpayers an estimated $28,000 in tax preparation fees.”
Appointments should be arranged in advance by calling VITA’s voicemail system and leaving a message at (219) 465-7900. Tax assistance will be provided each Saturday through April 12 at the Valpariaso University School of Law, 656 S. Greenwich St.
Those receiving help should bring photo identification and their Social Security card – along with those of their spouse and dependents – in addition to W-2 forms and other sources of documented income. If possible, clients also should bring their prior year tax return.
Return to Valparaiso University School of Law News