History and Growth

Program History:

The Tax Assistance Program (TAP) began operations in the early 1970s. At the outset its primary goal was to help Indiana taxpayers file for a special Indiana credit.

Because the Indiana tax returns starts by using the federal adjusted gross income amount, federal return preparation became a necessary element of the program effort. When the special Indiana credit expired, emphasis shifted to preparing the federal return and academic instruction in return preparation was added to the program. This shift resulted in academic credit and formal classes being scheduled.

Over time the program has become an important part of the educational preparation of students entering public accounting and tax practice. The TAP is one of several service-learning opportunities offered at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.

Students involved in the TAP are enrolled at the University of Notre Dame and at Saint Mary's College. Certified public accountants from national, regional, and local firms also volunteer their time along with faculty from Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.

Since 1972 the program has grown to where today it offers domestic tax assistance in many locations around Michiana and help to international students at two campus locations. Volunteers now visit taxpayers in their homes, hospitals and other facilities in cases of elderly and disabled who are not able to come to the community centers.

We characterize the program as a triple win situation! The clients benefit by receiving free income tax preparation. Students benefit by the practical experience gained working in the program. Involved faculty members benefit by determining the effectiveness of teaching activities while working together with students on interesting and challenging projects.

Program Statistics:

Program growth is reflected in the following table of statistics. Note that the program year identifies when the program functioned. Tax returns are prepared in the year following the tax year end, which means that the program year refers to taxes for the preceding calendar year (1992 program year covers 1991 tax year):

Vivian Harrington Gray Notre Dame - Saint Mary's College
TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

** For years prior to 2001 'Domestic' contains 'International' statistics

NA - Not Available     

@ Includes forms 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040, 1040X, & others

# Includes forms 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, 8843, W-7, & others

% Includes Indiana & other states' tax forms

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