Cecily Zamora
Washburn Law's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic, sponsored by the Tax and Estate Planning Association, offers free tax help to eligible individuals and families in the Topeka community. The VITA program, backed by the IRS, is designed to assist low-income taxpayers who earn $60,000 or less annually with their tax returns. The clinic is entirely student-run, providing invaluable service to the community and practical experience for law students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of assistance | Free tax help, legal assistance |
| Who is it for? | Eligible individuals and families, small businesses, non-profit organizations, start-ups |
| Income criteria | $60,000 or less annually |
| Availability | Selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Location | First floor of Washburn University School of Law |
| Entrance | Preferred on the south side of the building |
| Appointment | Necessary |
| Contact | 785.670.1191 |
| Who provides the service? | Upper-level law students under the supervision of experienced faculty attorneys |
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What You'll Learn
Washburn Law's VITA Clinic
The VITA Clinic is part of Washburn Law's commitment to providing legal access and services to the Topeka area. It is hosted by Washburn Law's Tax and Estate Planning Association, a student group that collaborates with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The program focuses on helping individuals and families in the community with their tax returns, offering assistance to those who might not otherwise have access to help.
At the VITA Clinic, trained volunteers help individuals and families prepare and electronically file their taxes. To receive assistance, an appointment is necessary, although walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a slot, individuals can schedule an appointment in advance. To ensure a smooth and efficient tax preparation process, individuals are required to bring specific documents, including birth dates and verification of social security numbers for the taxpayer, spouse, and any children. Additionally, if a person plans on filing a joint tax return with their spouse, their spouse must be present or provide a power of attorney. Other recommended documents include W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and any IRS notices received in the previous year.
The Washburn Law Clinic, of which the VITA Clinic is a part, offers a range of legal services to the community. These services are provided by upper-level law students under the supervision of experienced faculty attorneys. The clinic handles various case types, including consumer law, landlord-tenant disputes, public benefits, probate, estate planning, and criminal record expungement. It also provides free legal representation for individuals who cannot afford a lawyer, including those facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
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Free tax help for eligible individuals and families
The Washburn Law Clinic, through the Tax and Estate Planning Association student group, offers free tax help to families and individuals earning $60,000 or less per year. The clinic operates on selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor of Washburn University School of Law.
At the clinic, trained volunteers help with tax preparation and electronic filing. To receive assistance, an appointment is necessary, although walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure a smooth process, those seeking assistance must bring the following documents:
- Birth dates and verification of social security numbers (SSN) for the taxpayer, spouse, and any children born in or before 2024.
- If filing jointly, the spouse must be present or provide a power of attorney.
- W-2 forms from all 2024 jobs.
- 1099-G form, if unemployment insurance benefits or a state refund was received in 2024.
- 1099-INT form, if interest was paid by a financial institution in 2024, or a year-end statement showing interest.
- Any other 1099 forms, including SSA-1099 (Social Security), 1099-DIV, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC.
- 1099-R distributions from annuities, IRAs, retirement plans, pensions, etc.
- All other 1095 (health insurance) and 1098 (tuition) forms.
- Economic Impact Payment amounts.
- Any IRS notices received in 2024 for any person on the tax return, including IRS Letter 6475 for the 3rd EIP and IRS Letter 6419 for the 2021 advanced child tax credit.
- Current protection PIN numbers, if assigned.
- If itemizing deductions, include medical expenses (including insurance), property tax for home and car, mortgage interest, and charitable donations.
- Taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) should bring the ITIN card sent by the IRS.
- Routing and account number(s) for direct deposit of a refund.
- Schedule C (Profit or Loss from a Business with expenses over $35,000).
- Schedule D (capital gains and losses).
- Schedule E (Rents and Royalties).
- Schedule F.
- Returns with virtual currency.
- Form 8615 (Minor's Investment Income).
In addition to the Washburn Law Clinic, there are other options for free tax help for eligible individuals and families. The IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, which provide free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program assists those who need help preparing their own tax returns, while the TCE program specializes in helping individuals aged 60 and above with questions about pensions and retirement. The IRS also offers the Free File program, which helps eligible individuals prepare and file federal tax returns online. To qualify, your adjusted gross income (AGI) must be $84,000 or less, and you must be in one of the 25 participating states with a simple tax return. Military service members can also access free tax assistance through MilTax, provided by the Department of Defense.
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Student-run, supervised by experienced coordinators
Washburn Law Clinic offers free tax assistance to individuals and families earning $60,000 or less through its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. The clinic is student-run, with upper-level law students providing free legal services under the supervision of experienced faculty attorneys. These faculty members are committed to mentoring students every step of the way, offering personalised feedback and sharing insider tips on legal practice.
The VITA program is a collaboration between Washburn Law's Tax and Estate Planning Association and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. It assists individuals and families in the community with preparing and filing their tax returns. The program operates on selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, and appointments are necessary to receive assistance.
At the Washburn Law Clinic, students gain hands-on experience by working directly with clients. They handle actual cases from start to finish, including client interviews, negotiations, court appearances, and legal document preparation. This provides an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhance their practical skills and professional development.
The clinic offers a range of legal services to individuals, small businesses, and non-profit organisations. These services include consumer law, landlord-tenant disputes, public benefits, probate, estate planning, name changes, and criminal record expungement. The clinic also provides free legal representation for people who have been arrested or charged with misdemeanour and felony offences and cannot afford a lawyer.
Overall, the Washburn Law Clinic provides a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in legal practice while serving the community by providing free legal and tax assistance to those in need.
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Available on selected days from February to April
Washburn Law's VITA Clinic provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families earning $60,000 or less. The clinic is open on selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (doors close at 4 p.m.). It is located on the first floor of the Washburn University School of Law, with entrance through the south side of the building preferred.
Appointments are necessary to receive assistance, and walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with potentially long wait times. To schedule an appointment, individuals must bring required documents, including birth dates and verification of social security numbers for the taxpayer, spouse, and any children born in the household before December 31, 2024. Additionally, if filing a joint tax return, the spouse must be present or provide a power of attorney.
The Washburn Law Clinic is staffed by upper-level law students who gain hands-on experience in tax law and serve the community by providing free assistance to those with lower incomes. Under the supervision of experienced faculty attorneys, these students help individuals and families prepare and electronically file their tax returns.
The clinic also assists with itemized deductions, such as medical expenses, property tax, mortgage interest, and charitable donations. It caters to taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) or Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and provides guidance on various tax forms, including 1099 and Schedule-related documents.
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For families and individuals earning $60,000 or less
Washburn Law's VITA Clinic provides free tax preparation services to families and individuals earning $60,000 or less. The clinic is staffed by trained volunteers and upper-level law students who work under the supervision of experienced faculty attorneys.
The VITA Clinic is open on selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (doors close at 4 p.m.), on the first floor of the Washburn University School of Law. Appointments are necessary to receive assistance, and walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule an appointment, individuals must bring specific documents, including birth dates and verification of social security numbers for the taxpayer, spouse, and any children. If filing a joint tax return, the spouse must be present or provide a power of attorney. Other required and preferred documents include W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and forms related to health insurance, tuition, and economic impact payments.
The Washburn Law Clinic offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in tax law and serve individuals with lower incomes. Students can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, build confidence, and leave a positive impact on the community. The clinic also provides free legal services in various areas, such as consumer law, landlord-tenant disputes, public benefits, and criminal record expungement. They offer legal representation for those who cannot afford an attorney and are committed to providing access to justice for the Topeka community.
Overall, the Washburn Law Clinic's VITA program plays a vital role in assisting families and individuals earning $60,000 or less by providing free tax preparation services and fostering a sense of community service.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Washburn Law Clinic provides free tax assistance to eligible individuals and families in the Topeka community.
Individuals and families earning $60,000 or less are eligible for free tax assistance at Washburn Law Clinic.
Washburn Law Clinic's free tax assistance is available on selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Washburn Law Clinic's free tax assistance is located on the first floor of the Washburn University School of Law.
Washburn Law Clinic's free tax assistance is provided by trained law students who are supervised by experienced coordinators to ensure compliance with IRS standards.
