[StBernard] Michigan Law Students offer free tax help in St Bernard

[Westley Annis]

Michigan Law Students use their Spring Break to offer free tax help


Law students from Michigan State University College of Law will offer
free tax help at the Community Center of St. Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St,
Arabi from 10 AM to 4 PM on Monday, March 8 through Thursday, March
11, and then from 10 AM to 1 PM on Friday, March 12.  

The students will prepare 2009 federal and state tax returns and will
assist taxpayers on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no
charge for these tax services.	This is the third year that these
students have given up their annual "spring break" to provide
community service to New Orleans-area residents.  

The students, who have received VITA certification and will be
supervised by tax attorneys, can also help taxpayers with filing back
years' returns and with other tax problems. Anyone who has a federal
tax debt that they cannot pay is encouraged to consult with these
students about opportunities to minimize or cancel the debt.  And
those who have not filed past years' returns can receive assistance in
filing forms for some of those years to take advantage of any
applicable refunds or tax credits. 

In addition to the weekday tax sessions offered by the Michigan law
students, residents can also get free tax help at the Community Center
from 10 AM until 2 PM on the following Saturdays: February 27, March
13, March 28 and April 10. No appointment is needed; however,
residents are requested to arrive by 1:30 PM to ensure that their tax
returns will be able to be completed by 2 PM. 

The Saturday tax assistance is provided by Loyola University New
Orleans College of Law's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
(VITA). Loyola's VITA Program is affiliated with the Asset Building
Coalition of Southeast Louisiana and the American Bar Association.

In order to receive assistance with their income tax preparation,
taxpayers are reminded to bring photo identification and Social
Security cards for each person included on their tax returns. They
should also bring any tax documents that they have received including
W-2 forms, 1099 forms, Social Security statements, and government
benefits letters.