Free tax dispute support

Getting a letter from the IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue can seem scary. 
But we’re here to help. Our Tax Clinic offers free guidance and legal representation to resolve disputes and give 
you peace of mind.

Get free legal help with a tax dispute

If you’re an Illinois resident and have received a letter about an issue with your taxes, or have an issue you need to resolve, contact us below.

Get help here

Or call us on 312-409-1555

Am I eligible?

Free legal support is available to full-time residents of Illinois. 
You may qualify for free representation if your family’s income is below the limits listed below. Your ‘family’ refers to your tax household—you, your spouse, 
and any dependents.

Family Size

Income – no more than

1

$30,000

2 or more

$40,000

Common tax issues we can help with

  • Audits

    An audit is when the IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue reviews your tax return because they think something may be wrong. They may try to change your tax return. We can help you respond and protect your rights.

  • Collections

    If you owe taxes you can’t pay, the IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue may try to collect by taking part of your pay check (garnishing wages), taking money from your bank account (a levy), or placing a lien on your property. We can help you address these actions and find relief.

  • United States Tax Court

    When tax disputes can’t be resolved directly with the IRS, they may be taken to U.S. Tax Court — a special court that hears only tax cases. We can guide you through this process and represent your interests.

  • ITIN Issues

    An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is used by people who don’t have a Social Security number. Sometimes benefits are denied because an ITIN was newly issued, recently renewed, or doesn’t match income documents. We can help fix these errors.

  • Identity Theft

    Tax-related identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to file a false tax return and claim benefits. This can block you from filing your own. We can help you clear things up and recover the benefits that belong to you.

  • Penalties

    The IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue can add extra charges (penalties) if you file late, pay late, or make mistakes on your return. We can help you understand these penalties and work to reduce or remove them.

  • Innocent Spouse

    When you file a joint tax return, both spouses are responsible for the full tax debt — even if only one caused it. If that debt isn’t yours, you may qualify for “innocent spouse relief.” We can help you apply.

  • Cancelled Debt

    When a debt is forgiven or cancelled — like a credit card, mortgage, or car loan — the IRS often treats the cancelled amount as taxable income. We can help you see if exceptions apply so you’re not unfairly taxed.

REAL IMPACT

I walked in terrified, but LadderUp gave me hope

The IRS was seizing money straight from my wages and bank account. I felt helpless. Ladder Up attorneys stepped in, reviewed my case, and gave me a way forward. What started as tears ended up with a smile — because I finally believe things can get better.

Maleesal Lewis

Apply for help with 
a tax dispute

If you need free legal tax help and are an Illinois resident, apply below.

Apply here

FAQS

Ladder Up’s Tax Clinic may be able to help you understand your letters and your options. Additionally, we recommend setting up online accounts with the IRS/Illinois Department of Revenue. Through an online account, you can see your balances in real-time, review past IRS/Illinois Department of Revenue letters, and easily make payments if you need to. You can also access your “transcripts,” which are detailed IRS records of the tax returns you’ve filed, income you’ve made, and any actions taken by the IRS. You can access your IRS account by visiting this link and verifying your identity through “ID.me.” You can access your Illinois Department of Revenue account by visiting this link and clicking “sign up” (you will need to have or request a recent IDOR letter). You can also get more information by calling the IRS at (800) 829-1040 or IDOR at (800) 732-8866.

Yes. Even if your audit has closed, you may be able to file for “audit reconsideration.” Even if the deadline to respond to a letter has passed, you may still be able to obtain review and correct your account. The Tax Clinic can help advise you of your options.

If you owe more than you can afford to pay, “collection alternatives” such as payment plans and settlements may be available to you based on your circumstances and financial situation. The Tax Clinic can help you navigate this process.

Yes, but only if the IRS/Illinois Department of Revenue follow certain rules and processes. Sometimes, the IRS sends letters threatening a levy even when they do not have legal authority to initiate the levy. The Tax Clinic can help you understand the risk of a levy as well as the tools at your disposal to prevent or challenge a levy.

Yes, anyone can be represented by an attorney, CPA, or Enrolled Agent in their tax dispute by signing a Power of Attorney form called “Form 2848.” Once you sign this form, your representative will be able to review your tax records, speak to the IRS/Illinois Department of Revenue on your behalf, and submit documents advocating for your position. The Tax Clinic has attorneys and other professionals who specialize in resolving the sorts of tax disputes that commonly affect low- and moderate-income taxpayers.

No, the Tax Clinic can only represent individuals.