Tax Clinic Clients
- How can I contact Tax Clinic?
- How can the Tax Clinic help me?
- How do I know if I qualify for the free legal services of the Tax Clinic?
- How do I make an appointment?
- How long will it take to get an appointment?
- When will I know if the Tax Clinic will take my case?
- How long will it take to solve my problem?
- If I have any questions, who should I call?
How can the Tax Clinic help me?
The Tax Clinic can help you with the following kinds of problems:
- I filed my tax return, but did not get my refund. If you filed a tax return and claimed certain deductions or credits, such as the EITC, and the IRS has not paid you your refund, contact the Tax Clinic to see if we can help. You may also contact the local Taxpayer Advocate Service at (860)756-4555.
- I have been told that my tax return is being audited: The IRS or DRS has told you that they are looking at your income tax return or have told you that they plan on changing your tax return, increasing the tax you owe, or reducing your refund.
- I have not filed past years tax returns: You have not filed tax returns for one or more year and need some help filing them and paying any tax that might be owed or getting any refund your are entitled to. The Tax Clinic does not prepare tax returns. If you qualify, we will refer you to an organization that might be able to prepare your returns for free.
- I owe taxes: You have been getting bills from the IRS or DRS and want help in finding out what your options are for paying the taxes.
- I want to petition Tax Court, I have filed a Tax Court petition, or I am scheduled for a trial at the Tax Court: If you want to file a petition with the United States Tax Court or you have filed a petition, with the United States to contest the IRS change, we can represent you before the Tax Court. If you have a date of trial, contact the Tax Clinic immediately to see if we can help.
- I overpaid my taxes and want to get a refund. You want to sue to get back federal taxes you paid but you now want to dispute. We can represent you before the IRS and the United States District Court in a refund action.
We can help you with Connecticut (DRS) tax problems if you also have an IRS tax problem.
The Tax Clinic does not help people prepare and file returns. However, we can help you get a referral to a pro bono (free) non-profit accounting organization, Community Accounting Aid & Services, Inc. or, if you need a tax return prepared during the regular filing season, we can direct you to a volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) site.
If, however, after you get a tax return prepared and filed you owe tax, we can counsel you as to your options for paying the tax.
If you think you qualify for our assistance, please contact us.
How do I know if I qualify for the free legal services of the Tax Clinic?
Generally, your income must meet certain guidelines (see below) and the amount of tax and penalties that the IRS or DRS says you owe for each year must be less than $50,000.
Income Guidelines
To qualify for our services, you and your family's income must be at or below the following amounts:
| Size of Family | Income Not Greater than: |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,725 |
| 2 | $38,775 |
| 3 | $48,825 |
| 4 | $58,875 |
| 5 | $68,925 |
| 6 | $78,975 |
If your family size is more than six (6) persons, add $10,050 for each additional member.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment for an initial meeting, call (860) 570-5165 .
How long will it take to get an appointment?
It depends on the amount of work that the Tax Clinic has. Generally, we try to return your call within 24-48 hours and to set up an appointment within a week of your request.
When will I know if the Tax Clinic will take my case?
After you have met with someone from the Tax Clinic, the Director will review your case and decide in 7-10 days whether or not the Tax Clinic can help you. We will look at:
- The type of problems you have;
- The amount of time we think will be required to help you;
- Whether you are willing and able to help us with your case (such as getting documents and attending meetings); and
- Whether your case is something we have experience in handling.
We will notify you in writing whether we decide to represent you.
How long will it take to solve my problem?
This is a very difficult question to answer. It depends on whether you have the papers necessary for us to understand your problem and to prove your case to the IRS. It also depends on how much help you can give us with your case. We will work very hard to research and investigate your problem in a timely manner, meet with you to discuss your options, and to represent you before the IRS or DRS in a timely manner.
If I have any questions, who should I call?
Diana Leyden, Esq., Director
65 Elizabeth Street (directions)
Hartford, CT 06105
Phone: (860) 570-5165
FAX: (860) 570-5195
