Client Story: Tax Justice for Hard-Working Refugees
“Our clients trusted the out-of-state return preparer and had no idea they were filing improperly,” according to Shawn Richter, Director of the Tax & Economic Justice Program at the Clinic. When the IRS caught wind of the scheme and opened an audit, the couple was overwhelmed at the idea of paying back a huge liability they could not afford. They also worried that it would destroy their credit and they would never be able to purchase a home. In their moment of greatest need the couple learned about the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic.
Season's Greetings (Tax Season)
Kick off your Tax Season by reading this blog post from Clinic Director of Tax and Economic Justice Shawn Richter. Learn these important facts for all taxpayers, and discover helpful filing options for low-income taxpayers.
The IRS & Avoiding Tax Scams — Courting Justice Podcast Episode 2x01
What are common misconceptions about the IRS? What tips do you need to know to avoid tax scams? And what can you do if you become the victim of a tax scam or identity theft? In this episode of Courting Justice, senior staff attorney and Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Dee Dee Gowan joins Betsy Isenberg, Director of the Consumer Protection Division at the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, in answering these questions.
A Year of Abundance
Happy New Year! Above is a look back at the Clinic’s photo highlights from 2016–an abundant year filled with abundant life! In partnership with Outreach, Inc., we launched our Homeless Youth Justice Program this year, which allows us to provide free legal services to one of Indianapolis’ most vulnerable, and often-underserved populations. We also expanded our Victim Justice Program thanks to a VOCA grant through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, helping us to better meet the great need in our community.
Program Highlight: Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
“Compassion is loving others … I’ve learned one of the most important things is to just hear someone’s story. To stop, put your pencil down, because life is so busy and hard and complicated that people don’t give each other time.”