Stressed about the upcoming tax season? Students at the University of Tennessee College of Law can help worried taxpayers breathe a little easier. As part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, the students will offer free tax preparation help to members of the community.
The VITA program offers free tax help and electronic filing to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. The UT students who provide assistance are certified by the IRS following a training program and a review of IRS forms and procedures.
The program, which runs through Thursday, April 14, will be provided from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Suite 157 of the College of Law. Participants should arrive as close to 5 p.m. as possible and no later than 6:30 p.m. to receive assistance in a timely fashion, as space is limited each night. Appointments are not necessary, but services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Tax advice will not be shared over the telephone. Public parking is available in the Volunteer Hall garage at 1545 White Ave., directly behind the College of Law.
Brad Morgan, associate director of the College of Law’s Institute for Professional Leadership, oversees VITA. He also manages the college’s pro bono program, which offers a variety of free legal services that benefit those in need while giving students valuable hands-on practical experience.
“Not only does this program provide a great service to the community, but it also provides our students with valuable experiential and service-learning,” said Morgan. “They interact directly with individuals, identify the important issues and documents involved in tax preparation, and deliver a professional service that aids taxpayers.”
For more information about the VITA program at UT Law, contact Morgan at 865-974-2492 or rmorgan2@utk.edu.
More information about how to prepare for a VITA visit is available online.
