Director Q&A with Shawn Richter

Written by Alexandra Ross, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

For this edition of Director Q&A, I spotlighted the Clinic’s Tax & Economic Justice Program. Shawn Richter, the Low-Income Taxpayer Director, plays a vital role in the successful operation of the Tax Program. Shawn has been with us for over 2 years now. Prior to working at the Clinic, he was an administrative law judge for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and a litigation attorney at the Department of Child Services.

To understand Shawn’s role here at the Clinic better, I asked him some questions pertaining to the Tax & Economic Justice Program to help glean important information for our clients.

What role does the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) play at the Clinic?
The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic provides tax controversy assistance and representation for individuals and families. We help return people to compliance with tax filing and payment of liabilities. This involves audit, offer-in-compromise, and innocent spouse negotiations, amongst other things. We also represent them before IRS appeal officers and the U.S. Tax Court.

What is the most rewarding part of working at the Clinic?
The most rewarding part of working for the Clinic is having the freedom to express my faith in God while I work without fear of professional retribution.

What advice would you offer someone seeking to address tax-related challenges?
Be persistent and thorough. Document everything. Communicate regularly.

For more information about the Tax & Economic Justice Program and LITC, visit https://www.nclegalclinic.org/tax-and-economic-justice-program.