IRS Accepting Applications for
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Matching Grants

WASHINGTON - The National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina E. Olson, today announced that the 2007 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) grant application process is now open. The LITC grant program is now in its eighth year and continues to expand.

Under the program, IRS awards matching grants of up to $100,000 a year to develop, expand or continue low income taxpayer clinics. For the 2006 grant cycle Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2006, the LITC Program Office awarded LITC grants to 150 organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Nonprofit organizations providing free or nominal fee representation to people involved in tax disputes can apply for grants for the 2007 grant cycle, Jan. 1, 2007, through Dec. 31, 2007. Grants are also available for organizations that inform taxpayers for whom English is a second language of their tax rights and responsibilities. Grant funds may be awarded for start-up expenditures incurred by new clinics during the 2007 grant cycle.

The National Taxpayer Advocate sees funding the low income taxpayer clinics and the provision of free or nominal fee tax representation as a significant step toward a more equitable tax system. The IRS is committed to achieving the maximum possible access to representation for low income taxpayers under the terms of this grant program. The IRS matching grant program encourages the establishment and operation of low income taxpayer clinics across the nation. These clinics provide an important resource to taxpayers who may not otherwise be able to afford a tax professional.

The application period for the 2007 LITC grant program began May 8, 2006. Applications for grants must be electronically filed or received by 4 p.m. EDT on July 7, 2006.

Copies of Publication 3319, 2007 Grant Application Package and Guidelines (Rev. 5-2006), are available in the Taxpayer Advocate section of this Web site. Application packages may also be ordered by calling 1-800-829-3676.

Questions about the LITC Program or grant application process can be addressed to the LITC Program Office at (202) 622-7186 (not a toll-free call) or by e-mail to LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov.

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