IRS Accepting Applications for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grants

So many people right now depend on unemployment, disability, or retirement income that barely covers necessities like food and rent. So, when they end up with a tax problem, they just can’t afford to get the help they desperately need. The IRS announced today the opening of the 2011 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) grant application process.

Now in its twentieth year, the Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) has been vital to taxpayers who need help but lack the resources to get it.

The IRS awards matching grants of up to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations, who will develop, expand and maintain low income taxpayer clinics. This federal grant program is administered by the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate at the IRS. The program serves individuals whose incomes do not exceed 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and who need federal tax help.

Organizations wishing to qualify should be either:

• Clinical program at accredited law, business or accounting schools whose students represent low-income taxpayers in tax disputes with the IRS; or
• Organization exempt from tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(a) that represent low-income taxpayers in tax disputes with the IRS or refer those taxpayers to qualified representatives.

Copies of the 2011 Grant Application Package and Guidelines, IRS Publication 3319, can be downloaded from this website or ordered by calling 1-800-829-3676.