Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grants

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) has issued a grant opportunity for qualified organizations or entities to develop, expand or support qualified low-income taxpayer clinics. The clinics will provide education and assistance to low-income taxpayers seeking to file Massachusetts tax returns and engage in disputes with the department. DOR intends to allocate up to $100,000 to each of 3 existing clinics and up to an additional $200,000 for new clinics, with grant agreements ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 and commencing upon execution and ending on June 30, 2020. Grant applicants must meet specific criteria such as representing low-income taxpayers, educating taxpayers on their rights and responsibilities, assisting with the Massachusetts Earned Income Tax Credit, and having at least 95% of represented taxpayers below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applications will be evaluated based on comprehensiveness, appropriateness, feasibility, clarity, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of DOR and the goals of low-income taxpayer clinics. Preference may be given to applicants with experience assisting taxpayers with the Earned Income Tax Credit, serving specific geographic areas, and assisting low-income and limited English proficiency individuals.

The grant opportunity is open to qualified organizations or entities, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The Commonwealth has not provided any information about incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The total available funding for the grants is up to $300,000, with individual grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.