A Student Clinician Assisting a Taxpayer
Since opening its door to the community in 2008, CSUN's Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic has provided free consultation and representation to low-income taxpayers facing tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Established with the generous support of Harvey and Harriet Bookstein, the Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic provides an invaluable service to taxpayers who may need more help than just filing a simple tax return.
Jackie O’Bannon and her husband turned to the Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic after being victims of identity theft and mortgage fraud, which led to an extenuating tax issue.
“My husband and I were trying to buy a home together, but when we filed our tax return, we realized that our identity had been stolen and someone was committing mortgage fraud,” O’Bannon said. “We went to so many local tax offices and couldn’t find anybody that could resolve our issues, or who took the time to figure out what was going on.”
After coming to CSUN’s Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, O'Bannon and her husband were in constant communication with the clinic’s coordinator, who helped them in a month-long process to solve their identity theft situation and address their tax issue.
“It’s great to be with someone who knows how to negotiate with IRS on your behalf and explain our situation," O'Bannon said. "Getting that financial burden off our backs gave us such peace of mind."
To prepare for situations like these, a select group of accounting seniors enroll each semester in a federal tax procedure course with Professor John Balian (’92), a former IRS officer and alumnus of Nazarian College.
“Our students go through a semester-long upper division elective course that orients them to advocate for taxpayers’ rights before the IRS,” said Professor Lucy Nalbandian, CPA, who supervises students working on cases in the Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. “Aside from enrolling in the federal tax procedure course, students go through comprehensive hands-on training in the clinic at the beginning of the semester. This process ensures that students understand the material and are capable to effectively represent taxpayers seeking tax resolution with the IRS.”
Recently, a taxpayer (referred to here as Jennifer for anonymity) came into the Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic needing specific tax assistance as her tax filing status had changed. Nick Dilando, a graduate tax student, reviewed her case and identified the right course of action to resolve the matter.
“Being a single mother, my taxes are very important and crucial part of the year for me,” Jennifer said. “I sat down with Nick and he explained to me exactly what was going on and why my filing status had changed this year. He also helped me (address) my back taxes and was very professional throughout. He helped us through a hard situation.”
For volunteers, working at the Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic can be an eye-opening experience, Dilando said. “We hope to make a positive experience in people’s lives.” he added.