KU Law News
KU Law News
March 2, 2010
KU law students volunteer time, expertise for free tax preparation service
LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas School of Law is offering free tax services for those who qualify now through April 15.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program prepares returns for taxpayers who are Kansas, Missouri or Illinois residents making less than $49,000 per year and not itemizing deductions. Last year, students prepared about 400 federal and state tax returns.
Law students Courtney Sipe and Jennifer Berry are coordinating this year’s program, with 30 other law students helping to prepare returns. Sipe decided to get more deeply involved in VITA by becoming a coordinator because she enjoys helping the community and learning more about an area of law that interests her.
“I learn something new at every session I attend,” Sipe said. “Plus, the clients we get are always so appreciative, and a lot of them have been using VITA for their taxes for many years. I think this fact says a lot about the program. I think we do a great service to the community. The volunteers always seem to get a lot out of the sessions, maybe even more than the clients!”
So far, volunteers have prepared more than 70 returns at the law school and three community locations in two weeks of workshops.
"VITA provides an important service to the Lawrence Community,” Berry said. “I feel fortunate to be a part of a program that helps people who need it the most, while being able to put the knowledge I learn in class to work in the real world."
Stephen Mazza, professor of law and associate dean for academic affairs, serves as faculty coordinator for the program.
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For specific information, call (785) 864-9227.
VITA Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Saturday |
| 6-8:45 p.m. | 1-3:30 p.m. | 3-5:45 p.m. | 3-4:45 p.m. | 10-11:45 a.m. |
| Green Hall Computer Lab 3rd Floor Library School of Law 1535 W. 15th St. |
Penn House 1035 Pennsylvania |
Green Hall Computer Lab | Ballard Community Center, 708 Elm AND 5-6:45 p.m. Lawrence Housing Authority 1600 Haskell #187 |
Green Hall Computer Lab |
No sessions will be held March 13-20. The March 3 session will end at 5 p.m.