Washington (May 9, 2002) -- Organizations providing low-cost or no-cost representation to people involved in tax disputes can apply for grants worth up to $100,000 for the 2003 grant cycle, the Internal Revenue Service announced. Grants are also available for programs that inform taxpayers for whom English is a second language of their tax rights and responsibilities.
"Our matching grant program encourages the creation and growth of low-income taxpayer clinics across the nation," said IRS commissioner Charles O. Rossotti. "These clinics are an important resource for taxpayers who may have nowhere else to turn."
The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program, now in its fifth year, continues to expand. In 1999, the IRS awarded $1.5 million in grants to 34 groups across the nation. In 2002, $7 million was awarded to 127 organizations. LITC applications must be received by July 1, 2002. The grants will be awarded by November 1 for the period commencing in January 2003.
Qualifying clinics may be run by accounting, business or law schools - whose students represent taxpayers in tax disputes with the IRS or Tax Court - or by tax-exempt organizations. These groups can represent taxpayers in tax-related matters, refer taxpayers to qualified representatives and provide non-English-speaking taxpayers information about their tax rights and responsibilities. Clinics may charge a small fee for legal help.
-- Electronic Accountant Newswire staff
