Last modified: Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Law students donate 230 hours to tax filing assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2011
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Students from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law helped local low-income residents and foreign students file 63 tax returns this spring, resulting in thousands of dollars of refunds.
The students participated in the law school's second annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, volunteering 230 hours.
IU Maurer School of Law students dedicated more than 230 hours of volunteer time to help qualifying individuals file tax returns this spring
"The VITA program was rewarding because it allowed me to gain real tax experience while helping the community," student coordinator Daniel Huntley said. "Many of our clients depend on this service to make ends meet throughout the year, and we feel a duty to help give back to the community that has given us so much."
The Internal Revenue Service prohibits the release of total refund dollars obtained, but participants estimated the refunds to be "many thousands of dollars."
Twenty-nine law students participated in the program, volunteering time on Monday and Thursday evenings during the tax season. They worked with low-income, elderly, disabled, and limited-English speaking clients. Working with a wide demographic range of clients provided the students with practical experience.
All student program volunteers were trained and certified by the IRS. Students from the Kelley School of Business, coordinated by the Beta Alpha Psi honorary fraternity, also assisted at the law school's VITA site.
Qualifying taxpayers will be able to receive filing assistance at the law school next spring. Details will be released in early 2012.
