Helping Others through Pro Bono Efforts Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

University of Miami -  030102

Abstract Number: 030102

May 2003

Students and volunteers at University of Miami serve this highly diverse client community by educating those unfamiliar with tax preparation and helping those who require assistance.

The Helping Others through Pro Bono Efforts (H.O.P.E.) project is a coordinated effort at the University of Miami School of Law to create a resource center for community and legal outreach and advocacy. H.O.P.E. acts as an umbrella organization to coordinate a large number of outreach opportunities for the law school community and offers support to law school students and organizations seeking to create programs in the community.

H.O.P.E. sponsors the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA). In conjunction with Legal Services of Greater Miami, VITA offers free tax return preparation. Income tax preparation assistance is offered to low-income, disabled and elderly individuals. The program helps protect clients from the risks and dangers facing those unfamiliar with the law. Clients avoid filing alone and possibly making costly mistakes that can incur penalties. Clients are able to gain knowledge, confidence and skills to manage their own financial situations. Cognizant of the importance of providing clear and effective assistance, the H.O.P.E.-VITA project provides services to clients in Spanish, English and Creole. For more information on this project, visit H.O.P.E's webite at: http://www.law.miami.edu/hope/ and view the PDF documents below.

Contact Information:

Marni Lennon, Esquire
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Disability Services; H.O.P.E. Director
University of Miami School of Law
1311 Miller Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone: (305) 284-2599
Fax: (305) 284-3646
mlennon@law.miami.edu

Additional Information:

• VITA Program Description ( 141k)
• Volunteer Waiver Form ( 54k)

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