Icy Sidewalks - page 3 ND tax-help program continues

The Notre Dame program has its ow n train ing program and record keeping, bu t the Internal Reve­ nue Service provides the forms and the Volunteer Income Tax Accountants safeguards the legal aspects. Some accountants in the program are alumni con lin in g to serve the South Bend residents filing tax returns. A certified pub lic accountant and alumnus from Price Waterhouse in Chicago, Dave O ’Brien, has come back to South Bend to volunteer fo r the p ro­ gram. When asked about legal problem s and responsi­ bilities, M ilan i said the IRS may call the program about a person’s file, but the program is protected by VITA, and not legally responsible. W hile fo llow ing “ norm al procedure,” said Milani, the IRS can call the customer for details and lets the volunteer program know when the prob lem is re­ solved. Besides South Bend residents, N otre Dame and Saint Mary’s workers/groundskeepers, housekeepers, and k itchen help have in recent years been assisted by student and CPA volunteers. Carroll said Notre Dame’s tax program offers assis­ tance at “ 10 different locations in South Bend set up in pub lic buildings, like church halls, and libraries so that service is available at least three hours a week at various shifts.” “ Two groups o f students volunteer at shut-ins,” said Carroll, “ when people can’t get to a center.” Notre Dame’s volunteers are available at the Cen­ ter fo r Social Concerns from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Wed­ nesdays, o r by phone at 239-5296. J-Board bars public from next assembly By MARK S. PANKOWSKI News Staff