SALT LAKE CITY–The Westminster Tax Clinic wrapped up tax season Wednesday, April 15. This was the clinic’s 29th year providing free tax preparation and filing services for the community. During the most recent filing season, Westminster Tax Clinic assisted 3,100 taxpayers through one-on-one appointments at its eight locations throughout Utah.
For the staff and volunteers who run the annual clinic, the opportunity to connect with community members is a highlight.
“I like giving back to the community,” said Baylee W., Westminster University master of accountancy student and Westminster Tax Clinic volunteer. “It’s nice to be in direct service to people where you can interact with them and see the impact of what you’re doing.”
Fellow volunteer, Ramon U., a Salt Lake Community College accountancy student, echoed Baylee's sentiment. “People are grateful after coming to the clinic. I’ve had people hug me and thank me. It feels great to know you’ve helped people.”
Volunteer Brian K. who is studying accounting at Salt Lake Community College agreed, saying, “Everyone has been so kind. I never really understood how much having this service meant to people. It’s a free service, but so valuable.”
Westminster Tax Clinic client, Lavelle Brown Conner, also appreciates the relationship between the volunteers and the taxpayers they serve. “Everyone has always been so very respectful. I have never been at a session where anyone was anything other than the most helpful and wonderful.”
This was Brown Conner’s seventh year utilizing the Tax Clinic. She keeps coming back because she appreciates the confidence and relief she gets from having IRS-certified volunteers handle her tax preparation and filing.
Another added benefit of using the Westminster Tax Clinic is having support in the unlikely event of an IRS audit. “They have a policy that if you get audited, they’ll actually step up and be there for you, which is very reassuring,” said client Lorie Park, who has returned to the clinic for four years. “I’ve never had to use it, but it’s awesome knowing you won’t just be hanging in the wind.”
Like Brown Conner and Park, several who visit the Westminster Tax Clinic return year after year. This was Patricia Rollins’ seventh year visiting the Tax Clinic. “Everybody loves free things, but there are so many great things about the program. It’s well organized. It’s busy, but they make sure everyone is helped. It’s honestly enjoyable to come here," said Rollins.
Volunteers are knowledgeable about varied and unique tax situations, and receive 40 hours of training annually, plus obtaining a new IRS recertification each year, before meeting with clients. Some volunteers even receive additional training to be able to assist resident aliens and those from other countries.
Marcia P., an international student earning a master of arts in teaching at Westminster University, is glad to have learned about the Tax Clinic from her international advisor. “It’s a great resource for international students. I wasn’t familiar with how to file taxes when I moved here. It’s a nice way to guide those who are unfamiliar with the process through everything and make sure it’s done the correct way."
For those making their first visit to the Westminster Tax Clinic, it’s a welcoming environment that makes it easy to understand why so many return every year.
Karen O’Connell came to the Tax Clinic for the first time this year after being referred by a friend. “I had a really great experience. I thought they were professional and did a good job. It was a complete service, and I’m getting a refund! I’m glad my friend told me about this service. I’ll come back next year," she said.
Mario Castaneda’s girlfriend suggested he visit the Westminster Tax Clinic for the first time this year. After meeting with volunteers to have his taxes prepared and filed, Castaneda shared, “The process was streamlined. It was simple. All of the volunteers were friendly. This is a really great service being provided.”
For both volunteers and clients, building tax knowledge and financial literacy is a shared benefit of the Tax Clinic.
“Everyone should come to the Westminster Tax Clinic,” said return client Patricia Boyan. “It’s great not just because it’s free tax preparation help, it’s also very educational.”
Volunteer Baylee W. agrees, saying, “This has been a really good learning opportunity. A lot of times with school you have a lot of theoretical learning, but not as much of the application. Having direct application of what I’ve been learning through my degree program has been really beneficial.”
Easton S., a Salt Lake Community College accountancy student and Tax Clinic volunteer, says it best: “It’s a great opportunity for both sides. Clients get tax help for free, and the students get experience they need for their future.”
The 12-week clinic is available for Utahns making $69,000 or less annually. Clinic locations with variable hours and opening dates are available to assist taxpayers in Salt Lake City, Park City, West Valley City, Ogden, Cedar City, Coalville, Heber City, and Price between January and Tax Day. Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome.
Though Tax Day has passed, the Westminster Tax Clinic operates year-round out of the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business at Westminster University. In addition to tax preparation and filing assistance, clients can receive help with audits, tax court, payment plan guidance, and IRS legal guidance. The Westminster Tax Clinic also offers the Tax Practitioners’ Institute as a continuing education opportunity for tax professionals. Learn more about the Westminster Tax Clinic or make a donation to support the clinic’s mission and work.
