The Community Tax Law Project Information

The Community Tax Law Project (CTLP) ensures the fairness and integrity of the tax system by providing free legal representation to low-income Virginia taxpayers in tax disputes, educating taxpayers about their rights and responsibilities, and advocating for issues that impact low-income taxpayers. CTLP’s services strengthen the financial stability of working families and help to ensure that all taxpayers, regardless of income level, receive fair and equal treatment in tax disputes. CTLP accomplishes its mission through the generous assistance of a panel of approximately 100 pro bono volunteers as well as in-house legal staff who provide representation and education to lower income families. CTLP provides continuing education and training to pro bono panel members and other tax professionals. The clinic assists approximately 1,000 taxpayers and families each year. To qualify for services, a taxpayer’s income must be at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. CTLP receives referrals from community organizations, legal aid societies, departments of social services, churches, and other service providers to the “working poor.” CTLP staff frequently partner with these groups to provide educational programs to staff and their clients. CTLP accepts cases at all stages of tax controversy, including examinations, appeals, refund claims, collections and negotiation of payment plans, and representation in administrative hearings and before the United States Tax Court. Education and outreach programs currently focus on immigrant taxpayers, participants in welfare-to-work programs, victims of domestic violence, elderly and disabled taxpayers, self-employed taxpayers, and U.S. military veterans.