As the 2024 tax filing season is upon us, the Asian American Civic Association, publisher of the Sampan newspaper, is providing free, bilingual tax services vital to many low-income individuals and families.
The program, sponsored by two initiatives implemented by the IRS, offers tax preparation help as well as assistance in resolving tax disputes. The Volunteer Income Tax Clinic, also known as VITA, provides free tax preparation services to clients ready to file their 2024 tax returns. For people who need help resolving issues involving the IRS or the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, the Low-Income Tax Clinic, also known as LITC, can assist by helping negotiate and potentially help resolve outstanding tax issues and disputes. Both VITA and LITC collaborate to provide professional assistance at no cost. Both organizations can help those who often lack the resources or familiarity with U.S. tax regulations to confidently and accurately file their returns as well as getting clients current with past issues, ultimately fostering greater financial stability within the community.
AACA professionals who assist clients through this initiative undergo rigorous IRS-compliant training, ensuring that clients receive accurate information and high-quality support. These volunteers assist with common low-income tax scenarios—such as claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or managing multiple income streams—while simultaneously offering financial education and empowering clients to better understand their finances. This individualized approach helps build long-term confidence and self-sufficiency, ensures that filers receive proper tax returns, and promote trust in the tax system.
Breaking Down Financial Barriers
Tax season can be especially challenging for low-income households. The complexity of evolving tax laws, compounded by language barriers and limited access to professional guidance, frequently creates undue stress. In addition, the rise of fraud and scams during tax season can have a devastating effect on its victims. Through its free tax preparation services, the AACA removes these obstacles, connecting low-income clients with trained, bilingual volunteers who simplify the filing process and ensure that families claim all eligible refunds, credits, and deductions.
In addition to its free tax preparation services, the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) is available to assist qualified individuals who have disputes or controversies with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR). Through the LITC, clients can receive free representation and guidance, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their rights are respected. Beyond direct representation, the clinic provides education and outreach, to inform the community about taxpayer rights and responsibilities, and to promote fair treatment within the tax system.
Mitigating Barriers to Citizenship
Question 3, Part 9 of Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, asks applicants if they owe any overdue local, state or federal income taxes. If you have ever failed to file a tax return or have any overdue taxes owed, that could affect your eligibility for Citizenship. The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic can provide a variety of services to get you current with your tax obligations which may help with your Naturalization Application.
Booking an Appointment and Outreach
The AACA’s free tax preparation and dispute assistance services for low-income clients are available year-round. Clients can schedule appointments online, by phone, or in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the AACA’s main office. To reach those who need help the most, the organization will provide partners with community centers, libraries, schools, and religious institutions, distributing multilingual flyers and hosting informational sessions to ensure that every eligible household is aware of these valuable resources.
Cotton is the Director of Services for the LITC at the Asian American Civic Association, publisher of the Sampan. Email: LITC@aaca-boston.org.
