UI Program To Help Poor Challenge Irs

The University of Idaho’s College of Law has opened a new tax clinic to represent low-income taxpayers who have disputes with the Internal Revenue Service.

The UI is the only school in the Northwest to operate such a clinic, serving individuals in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

Nine third-year law students staff the clinic, which is intended to help low-income taxpayers address IRS challenges, audits and other legal disputes.

Although the program is intended for those at or below the poverty level, others can qualify for the legal services. For example, a family of four can make as much as $41,750 and qualify for tax clinic assistance.

College of Law visiting professor Bradley Shannon, who is overseeing the clinic, said funding for the clinic is expected to continue indefinitely.

“As far as we’re concerned, we’re here to stay,” Shannon said.

The clinic is partly funded by a $32,690 matching grant from the IRS, a result of the organization’s efforts to become a more user-friendly.