Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Program is administered by the Taxpayer Advocate Service

(UCBJ) – The Internal Revenue Service is now accepting applications for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) matching grants for the 2027 grant cycle, with the application period open May 6 through July 6, 2026.

The grant performance period runs Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2027. Applications from underserved areas will receive special consideration.

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Program is administered by the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization led by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins. While clinics receive partial IRS funding, they operate independently from the agency.

“Low Income Taxpayer Clinics are essential to ensuring that every taxpayer, regardless of income or language, has access to a fair and just tax system,” Collins said. “These clinics are a lifeline that protect taxpayer rights, ensure fairness, and provide trusted support to those who need it most. I encourage community organizations to apply and join us in expanding this vital work so that every taxpayer, in every community, has access to justice.”

IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said the program plays a key role in early case resolution and taxpayer protection.

“Low Income Taxpayer Clinics are an important part of the IRS’s overall approach to improving case resolution and protecting taxpayer rights,” Bisignano said. “By helping taxpayers resolve issues earlier, these clinics can reduce burdens for taxpayers and the IRS alike. Expanding taxpayer access to qualified representation helps ensure cases are handled correctly and limits unnecessary escalation.”

Program purpose and services

LITCs provide:

  • Pro bono representation for low-income taxpayers in disputes with the IRS
  • Education for taxpayers with English as a second language on rights and responsibilities
  • Advocacy on systemic issues affecting low-income taxpayers

The IRS awards matching grants to qualifying organizations to develop, expand or maintain clinic services. Clinics must match each dollar awarded with an equal contribution and generally must provide services free or for a nominal fee, excluding reimbursement of actual costs.

Applicants may request up to $200,000 for the 2027 grant year. Award amounts may be adjusted if Congress changes overall program funding or per-clinic caps.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 6, 2026. The funding number is TREAS-GRANTS-042027-001. Questions can be directed to LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov.

Focus on underserved areas

The IRS said special consideration will be given to applicants serving underserved regions, including Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, West Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as select counties in Florida, Nevada and South Dakota where clinic coverage is limited or unavailable.

Priority will also go to organizations that can address geographic gaps, high compliance activity areas and those with established community partnerships or referral-based representation models. ESL-focused services are also a priority.

Webinar schedule

The LITC Program Office will host optional informational webinars for applicants:

  • Session One: Application Basics
    Tuesday, May 12, 2026 — 1–3 p.m. ET
  • Session Two: Grants Portal Overview and Application Considerations
    Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — 1–3 p.m. ET
  • Session Three: Budget Basics
    Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — 1–3 p.m. ET
  • Q&A Sessions (no formal presentation)
    Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — 1–2 p.m. ET
    Monday, June 29, 2026 — 1–2 p.m. ET

Registration details are available through the LITC Grants site.

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