Volunteer Tax Clinics Winnebago Indian Reservation
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Authors
Purcell, Thomas J.
Issue Date
2012-02-02
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Type
Generic
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Abstract
The Situation – • Low income taxpayers are entitled to an earned income credit (a refundable, negative income tax) of up to $5,666 • Paid tax return preparers have provided short term loans and prepaid debit cards using the refunds as collateral • Some of these loans result in interest rates over 100% • The Winnebago, NE community was especially vulnerable to these exorbitant loans The Response – • Creighton accounting and law students, and alumni from accounting and law, decided to sponsor a tax preparation clinic in Winnebago, NE • The IRS has a program called VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – that coordinates free tax return preparation for low income taxpayers • A partnership was created with the IRS, Ho-Chunk, Inc. (a forprofit corporation affiliated with the Winnebago Nation), and St. Augustine Indian Mission • Creighton partners included the Department of Accounting, Beta Alpha Psi, and the Business Law Society • Students in Accounting 343, Federal Income Tax, are required to participate in VITA as a course service learning component • Volunteers need to pass several examinations and undergo training
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Creighton University