Legal Services for Students offers free tax help for KU students

LAWRENCE –The University of Kansas Legal Services for Students is offering free tax workshops for all KU students. The workshops are held on the KU campus, and separate sessions are available for U.S. residents and international students filing as nonresidents.

“We’ve been teaching international students how to file their taxes for years, and we’re really excited that this year we’re able to help U.S. resident students as well,” said Jo Hardesty, LSS director. “We encourage students to check our website frequently for the workshop schedule and to call if they have any questions.”

The full schedule is listed at legalservices.ku.edu, and the phone number is (785) 864-5665.

At the workshops, trained tax professionals help students self-prepare their federal and state income tax returns using online tax preparation programs.

“I learned so much from the LSS staff last year. They walked me through the entire process, and I knew that my taxes would be filed correctly, “said Alyssa Boone, Wichita law student.

Students who are interested in free help should bring their 2011 W-2 forms, Social Security cards and copies of their 2010 tax returns. International students should also bring their passports and visas. Students should visit the LSS website for a comprehensive list of items to bring.

“We understand that students might be nervous about filing their tax returns. We walk them through the process and help them file correct, accurate returns,” said Zach Roberson, LSS legal intern.

This free service is partially funded through a grant from the Walmart Foundation.