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Help filing your taxes for free

Are you looking for reliable tax preparation assistance? At Washburn Law, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic, sponsored by the Tax and Estate Planning Association, offers free tax help to eligible individuals and families in the Topeka community. This unique program is entirely student-run, providing both invaluable service to the community and practical experience for our law students.

About the VITA program at Washburn Law

The VITA program, backed by the IRS, is designed to assist low-income taxpayers who earn $60,000 or less annually with their tax returns. Washburn Law's VITA Clinic leverages the expertise of dedicated law students who receive rigorous training and direct oversight from experienced coordinators, ensuring compliance with IRS standards.
Two students smile and chat.

What we offer at the VITA clinic

Join us on selected Saturdays and one Sunday from February to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the first floor of Washburn University School of Law. Here, trained volunteers will help you prepare and electronically file your taxes. Please note that doors close at 4 p.m. and entrance through the south side of the building is preferred.

Scheduling your appointment

Appointments are necessary to receive assistance. Please sign up in advance to secure a slot that fits your schedule, ensuring you receive the help you need without delay.

Walk-ins are accepted on a first come, first served basis and may have long wait times.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To ensure a smooth and efficient tax preparation process, please bring the following required documents:

  • REQUIRED: Birth dates and verification of social security number (SSN) for the taxpayer, spouse and any children born in the household on or before December 31, 2022. SSN verification can be a social security card or an official document from Social Security containing the FULL social security number OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for resident aliens.
    No photo copies or pictures on smart phone screens will be accepted.
  • REQUIRED: Photo ID for the primary taxpayers on the return.
  • REQUIRED: If a person plans on filing a joint tax return with their spouse, their spouse must physically come with them to the site or a power of attorney allowing the filing spouse to file the joint return must be completed.
  • PREFERRED: A copy of the last tax return filed.
  • REQUIRED (if applicable):
    • W-2 forms from all 2022 jobs.
    • 1099-G form, if you received unemployment insurance benefits or a state refund in 2022.
    • 1099-INT, if you received interest paid by a financial institution in 2022 (or the year-end statement showing any interest).
    • Any other 1099 forms, including SSA-1099 (Social Security), 1099-DIV, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC.
    • 1099-R distributions from annuities, IRA's, retirement plans, pensions, etc.
    • All other 1095 (health insurance) and 1098 (tuition) forms.
    • Economic Impact Payment amounts.
    • Any IRS notices received in 2022 for any person on the tax return, including IRS Letter 6475 for the 3rd EIP, IRS Letter 6419 for the 2021 advanced child tax credit, and any current protection PIN numbers, if assigned
    • W-2G Gambling Income
    • 2022 Property Tax statement or receipt if claiming the Homestead Credit.
    • If itemizing deductions: include medical expenses (including insurance), property tax for home and car, mortgage interest, and charitable donations.
    • Taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) should bring the ITIN card sent to them by the IRS. Taxpayers need either an ITIN or a SSN for the Child Tax Credit.
  • Routing and account number(s) where a refund will be direct deposited. We can view a check. No deposit slips.

Volunteers will NOT prepare:

  • Schedule C (Profit or Loss from a Business with expenses over $35,000).
  • Complicated and Advanced Schedule D (capital gains and losses).
  • Schedule E (Rents and Royalties).
  • Schedule F.
  • Returns with virtual currency.
  • Form 8615 (Minor's Investment Income).
  • Returns for clients currently involved in a bankruptcy proceeding.

Other tax help information