VALPARAISO | Elderly and low-income taxpayers who need help preparing their income tax returns will again be able to turn to Valparaiso University School of Law students for assistance.

Valparaiso law students are participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) community service program and will offer free federal and state tax preparation to eligible taxpayers beginning Feb. 7 at the School of Law, 656 S. Greenwich St.

Taxpayers with annual income of $49,000 or less are eligible for the free tax preparation help if they have not received income from the sale of stocks, mutual funds or homes, or own businesses. Given the complexity of the tax system, services may be declined if tax issues are too complicated.

Christen Commers, lead site coordinator for the school’s VITA program and a third-year law student, said last year the students completed 700 tax returns and logged 1,500 volunteer hours.

“Given the current state of the economy, our program provides a valuable service for elderly and low-income residents who need it the most,” Commers said.  “We will continue our hard work for those in the area who need tax preparation help but are unable to afford professional tax services.”

Appointments may be made by visiting the group’s Web site, valpo.edu/law/vita, and filling out the “Make an Appointment” form or calling VITA’s voicemail system and leaving a message at (219) 465-7900.  A member of the group will contact individuals to set up appointments.

Questions about the VITA program can be directed to the group at valpo.vita@gmail.com or by leaving a message on the voicemail system.

Those receiving help should bring photo identification and their Social Security card – along with those of their spouse and dependents – in addition to W-2 forms and other sources of documented income.  If possible, clients also should bring their current year’s tax package and their prior year tax return.  

--For The Times