There are thousands of international students across the University of Minnesota system and other schools around the U.S....
These individuals all have some level of filing requirement. We are one of the only organizations that provides free tax services for nonresident individuals at the University of Minnesota, who would otherwise spend hundreds of dollars for the same service. There is a huge demand for these tax filing services and we need all the help we can get to fulfill this tremendous need.
We know that everyone isn’t an international student, and we don’t think that should be a reason to not get free tax help. Starting in 2022, we also help residents with their taxes!
What kind of volunteer do you want to be?
Nonresident tax: Learn how international students, scholars, teachers, and researchers are taxed in the U.S. Who gets the worst deal? Who has the sweetest treaty benefit? You’ll learn them all and can decide for yourself!
Nonresident & Resident tax: We’ll help most anyone with their taxes, which means we need volunteers who want to learn resident as well as nonresident tax law. Can there ever be too much about taxes? Don’t answer, just volunteer!
Ready to volunteer?
1. Come to an info session!
2. Have a Get-To-Know-You meeting with one of our leadership team members:
3. Start Training!
Information Sessions*:Thursday, September 21, 5:30-6:30pm — Carlson School of Management 1-132Wednesday, October 4, 6:00-7:00pm — ZoomTuesday, October 10, 5:30-6:30pm — Carson School of Managment L-118
*SSF Funded2023-24 Training/Time Commitment
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4-5 Training Sessions during Fall
3 for training — will learn tax law, practice with “sample clients” scenarios and forms. We’ll do nonresident tax first in each session, and then cover resident taxes.
1-2 to take the IRS-required tests (will have ~30 minutes additional training and reviews for the preparation)
All of our training sessions are fully hybrid - in-person, live zoon, and recorded zoom!
November 7, 5:30-9pm, Carlson 1-123
November 14, 5:30-9pm, Carlson 1-123
November 28, 5:30-9pm, Carlson 1-123
IRS Tests:
Nonresident Tax: December 5, 5:30-9pm, Carlson 1-123
Resident Tax: December 6, 5:30-9pm, Carlson 1-123
Training sessions are SSF Funded!
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4 Training Sessions during Spring
Focusing on State taxation of nonresident aliens and how to use the TaxSlayer return preparation software
January 23, 5:30-9pm, Carlson TBD
January 30, 5:30-9pm, Carlson TBD
February 6, 5:30-9pm, Carlson TBD
February 13, 5:30-9pm, Carlson TBD
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Time Commitment
Volunteer at 8 of our events in the spring where you’ll assist clients while they prepare their tax returns in the TaxSlayer software.
We’ll have at least 14 events, and you can choose which ones fit your schedule best. Volunteer once a week throughout the season, or do all of your volunteering during A or B term - whatever works best for you!
We are planning for both in-person & online events. We primarily schedule events on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons, but we have other days and times available.
No prior tax experience?
No problem. We provide six comprehensive training sessions in order for you to become a certified tax volunteer. By the start of the tax season you will be a knowledgeable nonresident tax assistant.
Boost your resume and expand your network.
Our organization is not only beneficial for our clients, it is also rewarding for our volunteers. This volunteer experience will appeal to prospective employers, but the tangible skills you will refine throughout your time with us can not be reduced to the section of a resume. You will build your communication skills and develop relevant knowledge of the federal and state tax system. In addition, our tax professionals can provide references for any position you may be looking for. Finally, if you continue to help us pursue our vision, leadership positions will become available to you within the organization as our student leaders venture into the workforce.