A clinic that provides non-English speaking taxpayers advice and guidance on their tax rights and responsibilities also is eligible for the federal money. The clinics may be run by tax-exempt organizations or by law, business or accounting schools whose students represent citizens in tax disputes. In announcing the grants, IRS Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti said he is encouraged by not only the dollar amount passed out, but also the growing interest in the program. This year, the IRS had to choose from 141 organizations wanting matching cash. The growth of interest in the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic program moves us one step closer to getting tax help to people at all income levels.
Clinic sponsors say that their tax-aid volunteers also benefit from the program.
A General Accounting Office study reports that at tax clinics affiliated with law schools or graduate accounting and business programs, participating students gain educational and practical experience by dealing with real-life clients and preparing cases. Click here for a list of clinic sponsors and the cities in which they are located. More information on the clinics or other low-cost tax assistance is available from local IRS offices. Check out the Around the Nation section of the IRS' Web site for the tax office nearest you. Nina E. Olson was the founder of the nation's first independent low-income taxpayer clinic.