Lakeland College second-year business administration students prepared 662 tax returns - an increase of 56 per cent from last year's total (425).

Accounting majors Harjot Basanti and Chelsea Leachman were among the 14 students who participated in the free tax clinics, held throughout March and April. Each student filed an average of 38 tax returns.

They worked in partnership with Lakeland business administration alumni - Amanda Barr, Rasheda Khatune and Hollie-May Jones - and the Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society and Synergy Credit Union.

“It was an excellent experience. We were each required to do a minimum of two clinics, so I did seven out of the nine dates,” says Basanti, who was happy to apply her classroom knowledge in a practical setting. “I got practical knowledge and skills on calculating child benefits and the disability tax credit for example. I really enjoyed this opportunity, as being part of tax clinics, I was able to give back to the community.”

Under the guidance of Erin Bandola, director of financial operations and risk management for Lakeland, students received a training session in March for effective customer service. This real-world application is a complement to their classroom learning by equipping them with the skills to interact with different clients, handle confidential information and work with deadlines. 

Like Basanti, Leachman says she learned a great deal from the experience, specifically, interacting with individuals and families from different economic backgrounds. 

“My favourite part was helping people who would have struggled to get their taxes done. I had one client hug me - she was so excited. I learned a lot by participating in the clinics, such as experiencing a variety of tax returns and scenarios. It definitely gives us a head start,” Leachman explains. She has plans to turn her business administration diploma into a degree through the University of Saskatchewan, and then wants to earn her Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Each year, Lakeland's business students host free tax clinics in Lloydminster to support seniors, students, low-income families and newcomers to Canada.

Photo: Erin Bandola, Lakeland's director of financial operations and risk management, provided guidance to business students during the free student-run tax clinics.