The University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law will continue to provide free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, part of the Central Kentucky Economic Empowerment Project (CKEEP) led by United Way of the Bluegrass.
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced that the federal income tax filing deadline for 2019 returns has been extended to July 15, 2020.
The tax return assistance will move forward following modifications, in order to comply with university directives prohibiting the use of the law building. Rosenberg Law faculty member Douglas Michael, associate dean of academic affairs and Dorothy Salmon Professor of Law, has set new guidelines for those still wishing to participate.
The following procedures will help assure the participant’s identity and privacy:
- You must have an email and cell phone, be able to scan your tax documents, and have a bank account for any refund. If you did not give an email address when you signed up for an appointment, please send Douglas Michael an email at your appointment time;
- At or before the appointment time, he will contact you to send an intake form to you by email;
- You will complete the intake form online and return it to him by email, along with a phone number where he can text you;
- Michael will text a code to your phone which you must confirm by email. He will reserve the right to have a photo ID scanned and have video contact with you if there are any concerns about your identity;
- Michael will assign the return to a volunteer who can complete it remotely. The volunteer preparer may ask for additional information or documents;
- The return will be reviewed for accuracy and then sent to you by email. The return may be e-filed if it is eligible and you request it; and
- Refunds must be direct deposited where the VITA program software allows that option.
Please monitor this link for any updates, as the IRS may issue new guidelines at any time. If you have signed up for an appointment and no longer wish to use the free service, please cancel your appointment, as all appointment slots are currently filled. If you are able to delay your return processing, please consider making spaces for appointments available to others.
In partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, CKEEP and the VITA coalition provide free tax preparation services to low-income families and individuals, raise awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit and help participants build assets.