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Got a Letter from the IRS or IDOR?
Don’t panic–you’ve come to the right place. We know that having a dispute with the IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) can be stressful and confusing if you’re dealing with it alone. Our Tax Clinic provides free assistance and legal representation to help you resolve your tax issues. Below, you can read more about who we serve and what kinds of tax issues we can help with. If you’re interested in becoming a client, please fill out this Application Form on your smartphone or other computing device:
You may also reach the Clinic by calling (312) 409-1555 ext. 3
Qualifying for Tax Clinic Services
Our Tax Clinic serves low-income individuals and families who have a controversy with the IRS/IDOR and who would like to dispute their liability or negotiate an affordable payment arrangement. You can qualify for Tax Clinic representation if your current family income is below the following thresholds. “Family” means your family for tax purposes–it includes you, your spouse, and any dependents:
Family Size Income No More Than
1 $37.650
2 $51,100
3 $64,550
4 $78,000
5 $91,450
6 $104,900
If there are more than 6 people in your family, add $13,450 for each additional family member.
Generally, the Tax Clinic does not prepare tax returns. If you need tax returns prepared, CLICK HERE.
Common Tax Issues
Audits
If the IRS/IDOR believes that there are errors on your tax return, you may be audited, and the IRS/IDOR may try to change your tax return. During an audit, you will be asked to prove that the deductions, credits, dependents and income you entered on your tax return are correct. We can help you understand what documents the IRS/IDOR requires and, if needed, we can represent you during the audit.
Collections
You may owe money to the IRS/IDOR that you can’t afford to pay, which can lead to the IRS/IDOR garnishing (levying) your wages or Social Security benefits, levying your bank account, or filing a lien—all actions that can make it difficult to maintain good credit. Even if you agree with the amount you owe, the Tax Clinic may be able to help you by applying for Currently Not Collectible status (which temporarily stops collection efforts), negotiating an Offer in Compromise (which settles your debt for less than what is owed), or setting up an affordable payment plan.
United States Tax Court
When taxpayers cannot resolve their disputes with the IRS directly, they might file a case with the United States Tax Court. Often, these cases are filed after a taxpayer receives a Notice of Deficiency from the IRS. The Tax Clinic can help you determine whether Tax Court is available to you and whether it’s the right option; we can also represent you in Tax Court and negotiate with IRS attorneys to get you the best, fairest outcome possible.
ITIN Issues
“ITINs” are identifying numbers used by taxpayers who are not eligible to receive Social Security numbers. The IRS may improperly deny these taxpayers benefits, either because their ITINs were recently issued/renewed or because their ITINs do not match what is reported on certain income documents. The Tax Clinic can help sort out these issues and ensure that ITIN holders receive any benefits they are entitled to.
Identity Theft
Fraudsters often file sham tax returns to claim benefits for themselves. Sometimes, this makes it difficult for a taxpayer to file a legitimate return and claim the benefits that are rightly theirs; other times, it leads to the taxpayer facing an improper liability when the IRS flags their return as fraudulent. If this happens to you, the Tax Clinic can help correct your IRS account and advise on needed steps for future tax seasons.
Penalties
In addition to any tax liability, the IRS/IDOR may try to penalize you for, for example, filing inaccurate tax returns, filing your tax returns late, or failing to pay on time. The Tax Clinic may be able to contest these penalties.
Innocent Spouse
When spouses file a joint tax return, the IRS can try to collect the full tax debt from either spouse–even if only one spouse was responsible for creating the debt. In some circumstances, the Tax Clinic can file a request asking the IRS to release the “innocent spouse” from this debt.
Canceled Debt
The IRS generally treats canceled debt (including canceled mortgages, credit card debt, car loan debt, etc.) as taxable income that must be reported on your tax return. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, meaning there are scenarios in which canceled debt should NOT be taxed. The Tax Clinic can help determine whether you qualify for an exception and whether past returns should be amended.
Contacting the Tax Clinic
The best way to reach us is by submitting our Application Form, which can be completed on a smartphone or any other computing device:
However, you may also reach the Clinic as follows:
Phone: (312) 409-1555 ext. 3