Students at The John Marshall Law School Offer Free Tax Assistance to Low-Income Residents

CHICAGO, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Students at The John Marshall Law School will provide free tax preparation services to low-income Illinois residents through a program sponsored by The Internal Revenue Service. The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is available on Saturdays beginning February 6 through April 10 - at the law school, 315 S. Plymouth. The sessions run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain valuable experience in tax preparation while also giving something back to the community," said Katie Kennedy, Director of John Marshall's Center for Tax Law & Employee Benefits. "John Marshall is the only Illinois law school involved with this program – intended for low income taxpayers, and those with special needs such as the elderly, non-English speaking and disabled individuals."

Law students will complete 1040 and 1040 EZ tax forms – state and federal - supervised by John Marshall professor and tax attorney Juli Campagna and other local attorneys. Both the students and advisors are required to complete an online training course designed by the IRS.  

No pre-registration is necessary. Qualified individuals should bring a valid ID, necessary tax forms such as a W-2 or 1099, their own social security cards and a card for every dependent they claim on their return. Their W-2 is not enough to satisfy the IRS rules under which John Marshall must operate. A social security number printed on a driver's license is not enough to satisfy IRS rules, either. If a taxpayer does not have a social security card, he or she may bring an SSA letter. There will be a Spanish translator available at all sessions.

For questions, or for attorneys or others willing to volunteer their time, please call 312/386-2858.  

The John Marshall Law School is located in downtown Chicago and is easily accessible by public transportation. For more information, access the school's web site at www.jmls.edu.  

SOURCE The John Marshall Law School