The IRS is set to open the application period for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) matching grants from May 15 to July 14, 2025, targeting the 2026 grant year.
This initiative aims to provide legal representation and education to low-income taxpayers, especially those with English as a second language, addressing geographic gaps in coverage.
IRS Low Income Taxpayer Clinic’s
The IRS will accept LITC matching grant applications from May 15 to July 14, 2025. The grants will support organizations providing legal assistance and education to low-income taxpayers in 2026.
LITCs play a crucial role in ensuring fairness within the tax system by offering free or nominal-fee legal representation.
Their objective is to assist low-income individuals involved in disputes with the IRS and educating those who have English as a second language.
The program is administered by the IRS Office of the Taxpayer Advocate under National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins.
Addressing Geographic Disparities
There are notable geographic gaps in LITC coverage across several states, including Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, West Virginia, and parts of Florida, Nevada, and South Dakota.
The IRS prioritizes applications from organizations serving these underserved areas to ensure equitable access to taxpayer assistance services.
Uncovered States and Counties for LITC Services
State | Coverage Status | Uncovered Counties |
---|---|---|
Hawaii | Uncovered | N/A |
Kansas | Uncovered | N/A |
Montana | Uncovered | N/A |
West Virginia | Uncovered | N/A |
Florida | Partially Covered | Brevard, Citrus, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Madison, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Volusia |
Nevada | Partially Covered | Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, White Pine |
South Dakota | Partially Covered | Aurora, Beadle, Bennett, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, Butte, Campbell, Charles Mix, Clark, Clay, Codington, Corson, Custer, Davison, Deuel, Dewey, Douglas, Edmunds, Fall River, Faulk, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Harding, Hughes, Hutchinson, Hyde, Jackson, Jerauld, Jones, Kingsbury, Lake, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lyman, McCook, McPherson, Meade, Mellette, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Oglala Lakota, Pennington, Perkins, Potter, Sanborn, Shannon, Spink, Stanley, Sully, Todd, Tripp, Turner, Union, Walworth, Yankton, Ziebach |
Strengthening Economic Foundations
- Enhancing tax compliance among low-income populations supports stable revenue collection.
- Reducing disparities in taxpayer assistance fosters greater trust in the tax system.
- The program aligns with U.S. policy goals of fairness and inclusion in government services.
- Ensuring fair representation helps maintain the legitimacy of the U.S. tax system.
Funding Details
Eligible organizations can request up to $200,000 in matching funds from the IRS. A requirement is that these funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the applying organization.
This financial structure encourages investment into local communities while supporting vulnerable populations through essential legal services.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 14, 2025 (Funding Number: TREAS-GRANTS-042026-001).
Download IRS Publication 3319, 2026 Grant Application Package and Guidelines, for more information.
Upcoming Informational Webinar
- A webinar on May 22, 2025, will provide detailed information about the LITC program and application process.
- This session aims to guide potential applicants through eligibility criteria and funding requirements.
- The webinar will also address questions regarding geographic priorities for grant allocation.
Additional Reading
To Sum Up
The LITC program’s expansion into underserved areas represents a strategic effort by the IRS to enhance taxpayer support nationwide.
By focusing on equitable access and compliance education for low-income individuals, this initiative not only strengthens community ties but also reinforces trust in governmental processes essential for economic stability.
Sources: Internal Revenue Service.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.