On February 26, a full classroom in Room 5048 gathered for “My Parents Don’t Need to Do My Taxes Anymore,” a tax literacy session for the Carolina Law community organized and presented by student members of the Tax Literacy Pro Bono Board. The session included presentations by 3Ls Isabella Parsons, Rachel Stuart, Bianca Serafano, Maggie Caudle, and Jack Flesch. Tax Professors Kathleen Thomas and Noah Marks were in attendance to support the event. 

“Once you understand the framework, it becomes a manageable annual task, not some serious hassle,” presenters told the audience. 

The session covered a range of topics directly relevant to law students entering the workforce, including how to calculate taxable income, the difference between standard and itemized deductions, and how to handle taxes when working in a different state over the summer. Presenters also addressed recent updates around tip income deductions, the distinction between tax deductions and credits, and the tax implications of UNC’s public interest summer grants, clarifying that while the grants are often non-taxable, students bear responsibility for self-reporting any portion used for living expenses. 

Discussions of tax-advantaged accounts, including Roth IRAs, HSAs, and the Lifetime Learning Credit, rounded out the presentation. The Q&A drew lively engagement, with students asking about everything from state residency filing to 401(k) rollovers to how scholarship refunds factor into their returns. 

Presenters encouraged students to take advantage of free filing resources, including IRS Free File partners and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which has a Chapel Hill location. The session concluded with a raffle.