The Tax Law Project at Legal Aid represents taxpayers with low incomes in controversies with the Internal Revenue Service and Minnesota Department of Revenue. The program is funded by a grant from the IRS. The grant is administered and overseen by the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service.

The Type of Work We Do-
Tax Law Project at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid handles many types of tax cases. The most frequently seen are tax collection problems and individual income tax audits. The collections cases involve setting up payment plans, filing for offers in compromise and representing clients in collection due process hearings. The audit cases often involve issues around the earned income credit, dependency exemptions, and small business deductions. A volunteer attorney could expect to meet with the client, counsel them regarding their options, represent their client in administrative hearings and processes with the IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue, assist the client with document collection and filing necessary forms (we do not prepare current year tax returns). Representing clients in United States Tax Court is also a possibility for volunteer attorneys who are interested.

How You Can Help
The Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Tax Law Project is looking for attorneys to accept tax cases pro bono. We welcome attorneys of all experience levels and familiarity with tax law is not required.

The Benefits to Volunteering with the Tax Project
For new attorneys it is an excellent chance to get hands on experience dealing with clients and a large administrative agency. New attorneys will get hands on experience resolving controversies with a large and highly complex administrative agency.

More experienced attorneys may enjoy a chance to share their expertise with a taxpayer who really needs the assistance and could never afford to pay for it. The clients we help at the Tax Clinic are always tremendously grateful for the help and advice.

The Tax Project Staff attorney will provide necessary training and guidance to volunteer attorneys who accept tax cases. Volunteers will have access to training materials both in print and online. Upon Request, volunteer attorneys are welcome to work from and meet with clients at the Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid offices in downtown Minneapolis, St. Cloud, or Willmar.

Interested?
Please contact Kirsten Olson at (612) 746-3716 or by email at klolson@mylegalaid.org to register for the training or get more information about the volunteer programs through MMLA.