UK College of Law Tax Clinic Prepares Tax Returns for Free

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 9, 2015) — Tax season, dubbed a “necessary evil” by some, has arrived and may be causing more confusion than usual this year with changes in the tax code, such as those relating to the Affordable Care Act. Easing taxpayers’ concerns, however, is the University of Kentucky College of Law Tax Clinic, which can save individuals time, money and headaches. The clinic, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, will be open through April 15, excluding Spring Break (March 16-20). 

A free tax preparation clinic for the UK and Lexington communities, the clinic will file taxes for individuals or assist anyone with questions when filing their own. The tax clinic can assist those whose income comes from: wages, scholarships, interest, dividends, simple self-employment, simple pensions, unemployment insurance, social security or small miscellaneous items. Although the clinic does not have a specific income limit set for those it serves, it is limited to simple returns and assists mostly low income individuals.

In addition to providing a valuable community service free of charge, the clinic is a rewarding learning experience for UK College of Law and Gatton College of Business and Economics students. Each year, students volunteer their time to file hundreds of tax returns. All student volunteers complete a series of in-class or online trainings, and afterward, pass multiple Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tests to receive certification.

"The VITA program makes a strong impact not only in the Lexington community, but also on College of Law and Gatton College of Business students who participate in the program,” said College of Law Dean David A. Brennen. “Each year hundreds of low income individuals benefit from the free tax preparation services our students provide, but our students also receive hands on, practical experience working one-on-one with clients.”

In 2014, 46 volunteers prepared and filed 587 tax returns, saving clients an estimated $114,465 in preparation fees, and resulting in $579,000 in federal refunds and $110,000 in state refunds.

“To say the program is mutually beneficial is an understatement. Our students walk away fulfilled, knowing they have helped people through a sometimes confusing process while saving them the cost of preparation fees — money that can then be used to meet their household needs,” Brennen said.

The UK College of Law VITA site is one of 19 in Central Kentucky operating with the help of the United Way of the Bluegrass. College of Law Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Douglas Michael leads the clinic with the help of Jennifer Bird-Pollan, James and Mary Lassiter Associate Professor of Law.

“I am particularly impressed by the dozens of law and accounting students who each year volunteer to spend the equivalent of two or three working days training and testing in order to qualify to prepare returns, and then six weeks in clinic helping taxpayers save money and comply with the law — all for the sole satisfaction of a job well done, and only to assist those less fortunate or who do not and do not want to understand taxes.

"The students also take away valuable experience in developing their law and accounting skills, and I hope they take away a good sense of the value of community service. And they receive taxpayer smiles, hugs, and kind words which are truly invaluable. It is a chance to be someone’s hero," said Michael.

The tax clinic is located in the basement of the College of Law, Room 47, at 620 South Limestone. To schedule an appointment, visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/6eq1rr9c/.

Individuals planning to take advantage of the clinic must bring:

·         Photo ID

·         Social Security Card or ITIN for taxpayer, spouse and dependents

·         All forms you have received, including W-2, 1099, 1098, or 1042-S

·         Documentation of other income

·         Copy of last year's return, if available

For more information about the UK College of Law Tax Clinic, visit www.law.uky.edu/tax.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu