Elon Law's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic

Thank you for your interest in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the Elon University School of Law.

What is VITA?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS and American Bar Association based program in which IRS trained and certified volunteers help prepare basic income tax returns free of charge for families and individuals of low to moderate income (generally, $49,000 and below), individuals with disabilities, and the elderly.

The VITA Clinic offered by Elon Law students is conducted in partnership with the Greensboro office of Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Purposes of VITA

Taxpayers do not necessarily understand the various deductions and credits they are entitled to receive, and often choose not to file.

VITA strives to serve as an alternative to commercial and/or professional tax preparation services, many of which offer refund anticipation loans with fees and interest rates that diminish or negate refunds the taxpayer is entitled to receive.

Our Membership

Our membership is open to all interested Elon University School of Law students and faculty members. Prior to preparing any client tax returns, volunteers must attend multiple training sessions and pass an IRS-created certification exam.

Our Goals

Our goals are to save taxpayers money, assist them in getting fast and accurate refunds, and make sure they get every tax credit they deserve.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Clinic Hours: Mondays from 5pm – 7pm and Fridays from 3pm – 5pm.

Although we are happy to accept walk-ins during the times above when we have available volunteers, appointments are strongly recommended, and those clients with appointments will receive priority service.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact us by email Greensboro.LegalAid.VITA@gmail.com or call the Greensboro office of Legal Aid of North Carolina at (336) 272-0148.

What to bring to your Appointment

In order to assist us in preparing your tax return, please bring the following documentation to your scheduled appointment:

  • Photo identification
  • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Current year’s tax package if you received one
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
  • If you qualify for a refund and would like to receive it in the form of direct deposit, please brink a voided personal check or your bank routing numbers
  • Please note that in order to file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

Additional Background Information

Elon Law professor Andrew Haile is the faculty supervisor for the law school's VITA clinic.