University of Mississippi law students are offering free tax preparation services through April.
The services offered through the Pro Bono Tax Clinic are available to all Lafayette County residents, as well as Ole Miss students and scholars, including international students, with a household income up to $54,000.
The law students administering tax services in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program must pass a rigorous training and certification process to participate.
“They work very hard to achieve multiple certifications so we can serve the largest number of taxpayers,” said Donna Davis, associate professor of law. “The experience is great for law students learning interviewing, analytical, research and application of the law skills. Not only will it help them on the job market, it will also make them better young lawyers.”
The law students help taxpayers file accurate and timely returns, which Davis said saves them time and worry of doing their taxes on their own. The free program saves taxpayers up to $200 in tax preparation fees that paid professionals can charge, she said.
“While the students gain useful skills from the program, what they really enjoy is interacting with the taxpayers, getting to know a little about them and helping with something that can cause people a lot of stress,” Davis said. “I particularly enjoy seeing the same taxpayers back year after year.”
The service is available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday through April 14, except March 15 and 17, at the Lafayette County Public Library, 401 Bramlett Blvd. in Oxford.