More than 100 Stetson law students train with VITA to help prepare free tax returns

On Jan. 13 and Jan. 20, Stetson’s American Bar Association chapter along with United Way and IRS volunteers trained more than 100 Stetson Law students in preparation for this year’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The VITA program provides free assistance to low-income, elderly, disabled and other individuals to provide free assistance in preparing tax returns. Trained Stetson Law students will be volunteering at various site locations during tax season in partnership with United Way Suncoast in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

Adriane Alexander led the training with more than 100 Stetson Law students interested in helping the VITA program. Photo courtesy Nathan Bruemmer.

Adriane Alexander led the training with more than 100 Stetson Law students interested in helping the VITA program. Photo courtesy Nathan Bruemmer.

“Working with individuals and families to figure out their tax refunds is essential because for many low-income families, those refunds are used for basic living expenses or to pay down debt,” said student ABA Law Student Division Representative Nathan Bruemmer, who helped spearhead the program along with student VITA ABA Chair Kristen Nasser. “Many low-income people and families are preyed on by tax preparation services at this time of year who charge high rates for simple tax filings. So many in the community don’t even realize this service is available for free.”

Approximately 120 Stetson Law students trained to volunteer for the pro bono VITA free tax return assistance program.

IRS/SPEC trainer Adriane Alexander, as well as VITA community volunteers John Bachan, Harriett Chandler, Maria Clack, and Dr. Judy Hall dedicated several hours to training the students.

“I am thrilled to see so many Hatters get engaged in this meaningful pro bono project,” said Bruemmer.