Free tax aid available to low-income individuals

With the filing deadline on the horizon, taxpayers may be stressed. But don’t worry, there’s help to get things squared away before April 15.   

Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, the University of Idaho’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is offering free help to low-income individuals beginning Feb. 4.   

The College of Law and the College of Business and Economics’ Accounting Department will provide both face-to-face and virtual services this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Student volunteers will assist taxpayers in filing their federal and state income tax returns, according to Program Director and Associate Professor of Accounting Linda Chen.  

“This is the first year we’re participating in the full-fledged program,” Chen said. “Think of our clinic as a free H&R Block site.”  

In prior years, the university only participated in the IRS Facilitated Self Assistance program. Volunteers were able to guide taxpayers in preparing their tax returns but were not allowed to do it for them.   

Following a multiple-step certification process, volunteers must complete ethical and technical training before they can work with taxpayers. This includes client interview certification, signing a Standards of Conduct Agreement with the IRS, and scoring an 80% or higher on an advanced exam.   

“We’ve been very proactive this year due to the possible challenges we might face,” Chen said. “As a result, our students are enthusiastic about participating in the program and we’ve seen a big increase in volunteers.”  

Each group of volunteers is a combination of four to five law school students, Master of Accountancy students and senior accounting students.   

All electronic filings are maintained on secure UI computers and filed by site coordinator Mike Nugen, director of administrative and financial operations in the College of Law. Nugen has worked behind the scenes to ensure all IRS security protocols are well established for virtual and in-person services.   

In-person clinics will take place 5-7 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Law Building on campus. Virtual clinics will be available 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays, 5-7 p.m. on Thursdays and 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays. To request an appointment through the virtual clinic, email [email protected] and include your name, phone number and a requested time slot.   

Taxpayers should bring their social security card and a copy of last year’s tax return.   

Ava Manning can be reached at [email protected]