GW Student Volunteers Offering Free Tax Return Help

Student volunteers from the George Washington University School of Business and GW Law are offering free tax return preparation services ahead of Tax Day.

The clinic opens Feb. 28 and will operate Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 12. The federal tax filing deadline is April 15.

The tax clinic will operate at the Crain Center on the first floor of Duquès Hall, located at 2201 G St. NW.

The clinic is led by GW accountancy professor William Stromsemand staffed by IRS-certified student volunteers from both schools who help eligible filers prepare their federal and state tax returns at no cost. GW Law student Maggie Wu and GW Business accountancy major Jorge Sanchez are serving as this year's student leaders.

The service is available to individuals with a household income of up to $75,000 who do not have substantial business, rental or investment income. Since international students are taxed differently from U.S. citizens and residents, volunteers are unable to prepare their returns but will try to help if time permits.

The service is available to GW students and employees, as well as D.C. residents and other community members who meet the income eligibility guidelines. In past years, the clinic has helped numerous individuals and families receive larger refunds and take advantage of valuable tax credits.

Stromsem said the clinic not only benefits those filing their taxes but also gives students real-world experience working directly with clients and navigating tax preparation.

Walk-in service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of reservations are available by leaving a message at 202-994-9316.

If you plan to visit, be sure to bring the following items:

• A photo ID and Social Security number.
• Income documents such as W-2s and 1099s for various payments to you, such as Social Security or retirement income, state tax refunds and any investment income.
• Students should bring along their 1098-T on tuition expenses and 1098-E for student loans. (Students should also verify their dependency status with their parents, so that they are filing consistently.)
• A copy of last year's income tax return.
• Records of expenses if you had substantial itemized deductions for charitable, medical expenses, taxes and so forth.
• Payment amounts for childcare and the Social Security number or tax identification number for your nanny if you want to claim a child and dependent care credit.
• Form 1095-A if you acquired health insurance through marketplace sites such as Healthcare.gov, DC Health Link or Maryland Health Connection.