COLUMBUS -- For many international students, it's hard enough just moving to a new country, let alone having to figure out the United States' international tax code. That's where students in Ohio State University's College of Law come in.

David Williams II, vice president for student and urban/community affairs and law professor at Ohio State, said this is a great resource for Ohio State's international student population.

"In the past, we've seen plenty of evidence that international students benefit from this service," Williams said. "In fact, this also helps the law students, as well, by providing them practical experience in a very specialized area of tax law."

Williams conducted research that led to development of the current tax form (1040NREZ) used by international students.

There are currently about 3,859 international students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate areas of study on Ohio State's Columbus campus.

"International students do ask for assistance," said Sue Dollinger, coordinator in the Office of International Education. "US tax laws are complicated -- even more complicated for international students. We do everything we can to let them know when help is available, especially when it's available on campus."

These law students, many currently taking a course in international taxation, will be available on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in rooms 348 and 352 of Drinko Hall, 55 W. 12th Ave., to answer tax questions and help international students complete their tax returns.

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(LO)