IRS Advocacy

The word "advocacy" brings to mind images of Capitol Hill or maybe the White House. In reality, many important decisions that affect NCTC's programs and the people we serve do not directly involve members of Congress, the President or new legislation.

No, these actions—known as "administrative" changes—often take place in nondescript government office buildings where federal employees must interpret and apply the law to real-world situations.

In past years, the IRS has piloted programs that would discourage low-income workers from claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or unfairly deny the credit to eligible families. Initiatives like refund freezes and pre-certification audits unfairly targeted low-income taxpayers—people not likely to be able to afford professional representation. NCTC and its affiliates have stood strong in the face of these proposals, which would have undermined the EITC program by discouraging low-income families from claiming the credit.

During the 2009 tax season, we worked with the IRS to revise a burdensome disclosure form that would have prevented volunteer tax preparation programs from compiling basic filing season results (i.e. the number of clients served). And during the previous year, when it looked like the tax season would be delayed by several weeks, we pushed the IRS to consider how a delay would adversely affect low-income workers who count on getting their refunds in January.

When we all come together under NCTC's umbrella to speak with one voice, the IRS listens.