Podcast: Charleston Urban League

It’s tax season, and Charleston School of Law sits down with our community partner, the Charleston Urban League for our latest podcast.

The organization provides Lowcountry residents with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a program that provides free tax preparation for anyone who generally earns $60,000 or less, people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their own tax returns.

We were joined on the show by:

• William McLellan, VITA Director at Charleston Urban League
• Taylor Gay, Charleston Law student and volunteer for the VITA program
• Gianna Giamanco, Charleston Law student and volunteer for the VITA program

McLellan said this year’s Charleston Law students have been especially helpful as the VITA team prepares for the April 15 tax deadline.

“They’re the most qualified, the most eager, the most available,” he said. “I think lawyers depend on collaboration, and that’s what I’m seeing. It’s not something we’re making them do. It is just a natural thing that they do; they collaborate with each other and with the other volunteers.”

The Charleston Law students have been working on tax return intake, answering questions, and meeting face-to-face with families who are either struggling to complete their returns or are unsure of how to file. McLellan said clients who need assistance make anywhere from $20,000 – $60,000 annually.

“A lot of people depend on their refund just to put food on the table,” he said. “We get people who have taken money out of their 401k, and people think that dishwashers don’t pay taxes. A Charleston dishwasher pays a lot more taxes than you would think.”

Both Giamanco and Gay said the pro bono opportunity has made an impact on their

“It helped me learn to simplify my language, which helped me get to know somebody in the first meeting with a client face-to-face,” said Giamanco. “We don’t know what’s going on in their lives.”

“Being open to helping can teach you a lot about yourself,” added Gay.

The Charleston Area Urban League implements its mission through advocacy, direct services, and referrals on behalf of clients — working alongside an extensive network of social service agencies and organizations throughout the Charleston tri-county area. We serve African Americans and all other underserved groups in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, connecting individuals and families with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to achieve lasting social and economic equality.