91探花 is stepping up again as tax season rolls back around, but the coronavirus pandemic will dictate some changes to the annual 91探花 Tax Clinic.
The 91探花 School of Business will again partner with the to offer a designated IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site with free tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. (In general, that means less than $57,000 in gross income.)
The clinic, which moved away from a drop-in model in recent years, will again require appointments in 2021 and - new this year - will mandate that taxpayers drop off all required documents and return to pick them up once completed, rather than waiting on site during preparation.
"For the health and safety of everyone involved, our clients will not be able to sit across from their tax preparer as they complete their tax return this year," explains Lynn Schulte, associate professor of business and 91探花 Tax Clinic faculty advisor.
"A greeter will meet taxpayers at their scheduled appointment time to verify that all required documents are received," she continues. "Before a client departs, we will verify a phone number and schedule a pickup appointment for the following week."
As noted in coverage on the clinic by , visitors should also note that masks are required in the Kamm Hall drop-off location at all times.
Under the supervision of faculty, the 91探花 Tax Clinic allows trained students to gain real-world experience while providing a valuable service to the community.
The clinic has helped hundreds of taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost for more than 25 years and has served as a VITA site since 2013. The clinic is also authorized to e-file returns.
For 2021, drop-off for tax preparation will take place on six Sundays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on February 14, 21 and 28, and March 7, 14 and 21.
Prospective clients are required to make a drop-off appointment by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts or by visiting . Appointments are NOT available by calling 91探花.
Taxpayers should also take note that returns are NOT prepared without all appropriate documentation for income and related expenses, and not all tax returns are within the VITA scope of service.
