Every taxpayer in the United States is protected by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a set of 10 fundamental guarantees that ensure fairness, transparency, and due process in dealing with the IRS. Yet, many low‑income families and individuals, especially those who speak English as a second language, struggle to understand these rights or afford professional representation. That’s where the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program comes in.

👉See more videos on our channel about LITC Education and how CPA Clinics protect taxpayer rights.

CPA Clinics, funded by the IRS LITC grant, provides free IRS representation, education, and advocacy to help taxpayers secure refunds, reduce tax debt, and avoid penalties.

The 10 Taxpayer Rights

Taxpayers are entitled to:

  • Right to be informed – clear explanations of IRS procedures.
  • Right to quality service – respectful, professional treatment.
  • Right to pay no more than the correct amount – no overpayment.
  • Right to challenge IRS decisions – present evidence and dispute findings.
  • Right to appeal – independent review of IRS actions.
  • Right to finality – know when audits or disputes end.
  • Right to privacy – IRS actions must be no more intrusive than necessary.
  • Right to confidentiality – taxpayer information must be secure.
  • Right to retain representation – choose an advocate to represent you.
  • Right to a fair & just tax system – IRS must consider circumstances affecting ability to pay.

How CPA Clinics Helps Under LITC

CPA Clinics translates these rights into real‑world advocacy:

  • Free IRS Representation: Avoid paying $1,500–$5,000 in fees charged by commercial firms.
  • Refund Protection: Safeguard Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).
  • Collection Relief: Stop wage garnishments, liens, and levies.
  • Audit Support: Professional help responding to IRS audits.
  • Multilingual Education: Workshops in English, Spanish, Urdu, and Bengali.
  • Identity Theft Assistance: Help with affidavits, IP PINs, and transcript reviews.
  • Penalty Relief: Requests for first‑time abatement or reasonable cause waivers.

Real Life Impact

Last year, CPA Clinics helped over 1,200 taxpayers, protecting more than $2.5 million in refunds and credits. Many clients avoided penalties, secured refunds, and gained confidence in asserting their rights.

Why It Matters

Without LITCs, low‑income taxpayers often give up or accept unfair outcomes simply because they cannot afford representation or understand IRS procedures. CPA Clinics ensures that justice is not reserved for those who can pay, but is accessible to everyone.

Call to Action

If you’ve received an IRS notice or need help understanding your taxpayer rights: 📞 Call CPA Clinics: (516) 464‑7444 📧 Email: info@cpaclinics.com 🌐 Visit: Low Income Taxpayer Clinic – CPA CLINICS