The MSU-Detroit College of Law Tax Clinic has helped a lot of people file their returns since it opened in January, but as the program’s inaugural year draws to a close, those involved know they will provide their services to many more.

The clinic offers free services to low-income taxpayers who need help with anything from filing returns to resolving conflicts with the Internal Revenue Service. It also offers help to residents with English as a second language - many of whom are international students.

Third- and fourth-year law students volunteer at the clinic, offering the free services.

Michele Halloran, the director of the clinic, said workers have helped more than 70 taxpayers file returns in the height of this year’s tax season.

“It is hard to estimate how many people we will assist this year because so many more people will be aware of the services we offer,” Halloran said.

“I think it is safe to say we will at least help triple the amount of people we did last year, but I would like to think it will be more.”

Halloran came to the clinic as director in August, and she said she’s pleased with what she has seen and experienced so far.

But she said the program could do even better, saying it has “fabulous potential.”

“There are people that desperately need help but they don’t have the ability to get an accountant or an attorney,” Halloran said.

And that’s where the tax clinic comes in.

While the year comes to an end, that fact becomes more important. Halloran said many taxpayers take too long to get organized.

She’d like people to begin sooner.

“Taxpayers need to make sure they have all situations resolved before the first of the year when the rush starts,” she said.

She also said the clinic has the potential to be a good experience for law students who are looking for activities above and beyond just class.

“Companies and firms that are looking to hire graduates will want people with experience,” she said. “It is not enough anymore to just sit in class and raise your hand only when you feel like it.”

The opportunity seemed good to Todd Radde.

In his first semester at the clinic, the third-year law student said he helps people that come to the clinic with their taxes. But he also does a lot of research about rules that often spur questions.

He helps determine the correct procedures that need to be followed. And Radde said he feels it’s good experience for the future.

“When I graduate I will know what to expect in the real world,” said Radde, who has already received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MSU.

“It helps relate and communicate, which is not taught in any class.”

Third-year law student Carter Hodgson is in his second semester at the clinic, but he is volunteering for different reasons.

Hodgson has been in tax practice for 32 years, but most of his experience is with citizens of the United States. He said he now values the chance to work with international tax laws.

“There are about 50 tax treaties the U.S. has with other countries,” Hodgson said.

“A lot of international students don’t even know they have an obligation to file.”

Hodgson said there are many people who don’t file their taxes, because they view the system as massive and confusing. But for him, taxes are something that he has always enjoyed.

He likes that he can help others.

“Tax is like a little puzzle,” Hodgson said. “You have to break it down into small, simple pieces, figure everything out and then put it back together.”

For more information about the tax clinic, contact Halloran at (517) 432-6836.