2012 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) Grant Application Process Now In Full Swing

The 2012 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) grant application process is now in full swing. (IR 2011-58) The grants awarded will cover the 2012 grant cycle which runs from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2012. The application deadline is July 15. The LITC program awards matching grants of up to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations. The purpose of the grants is to create, expand or maintain a low income taxpayer clinic. As described by IRS, the LITC program funds organizations that serve low income individuals who have a tax controversy with the agency, or provide outreach and education to taxpayers who speak English as a second language. Qualifying organizations include the following: clinical programs at accredited law, business or accounting schools whose students represent low income taxpayers in tax disputes with IRS; and organizations exempt from tax under Code Sec. 501(a) that represent low income taxpayers in tax disputes with IRS or refer those taxpayers to qualified representatives. IRS noted that the LITC program has identified targeted areas of need.