Tax

What is the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic?

With the help of a grant from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), LASCO hosts a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. We help our clients with federal tax controversies, or problems. We do not file tax returns. This brochure explains what kinds of IRS cases we can help with and how to get help.

Other Resources

I Got a Notice From the IRS

This page from the IRS’ Taxpayer Advocate Service website has some good information on what to do when you receive a notice from the IRS.

Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter

This page from the IRS website explains the different notices the IRS sends taxpayers and what they mean.

Tax Handbook for First-Time and Beginner Filers

This handbook covers important tax topics like tax returns, deductions, credits, handling federal tax balances, and more.

Get Your Ohio Tax Withholding Information

This flyer explains how to get your wage and income transcripts from the IRS and the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Free Filing Resources in Central Ohio

This flyer explains what free filing resources are available to Central Ohio residents, who is eligible for these services, and how to find a reputable tax preparer if you don’t qualify for free filing help.

Choosing a Tax Preparer

This flyer covers how to get free tax prep help if you’re eligible, how to choose a reputable preparer if you are not eligible, and why you should avoid “refund anticipation loans.”

Identity Protection PINs and Filing Your Tax Return

This flyer explains what to do if you are having trouble trying to e-file your tax return because you don’t know your Identity Protection PIN.

Verifying Your Identity with the IRS

This flyer explains why you might be required to verify your identity, what to do if you get an IRS letter requesting ID verification, and how to get support from the IRS.

Tax Scams—Is the IRS Calling Me?

This flyer explains a common tax scam, how to know if you are really dealing with an IRS employee, and how to protect yourself.

What School District or City (Municipal) Taxing District Am I In?

Sometimes, a taxpayer’s mailing address may have a different city listed than the city they actually live or go to school in. This flyer explains how to figure out what taxing district you are in for the purposes of city taxes and school district taxes.

Unemployment Income and Taxes

This flyer covers taxation on unemployment benefits and how to figure out how much money you need to set aside to pay federal, state, city (municipal), and school district taxes.

Tax Tips for New U.S. Residents

This flyer explains why new U.S. residents may want to file a tax return, how it can be helpful for future immigration proceedings, how to find tax help, and what to do if you can’t pay taxes you owe.

Where Is My Refund?

This flyer explains how to check the status of your federal and state tax refund, how some hardship situations could help you get a refund even if you have a federal tax debt or other non-tax debts, and what to do if you think your refund may have been stolen.

Possible Tax Refund for Combat-Injured Vets

Veterans who have received a lump sum Disability Severance Payment since 1991 due to a medical disability may have been taxed incorrectly and could be eligible for a refund. This flyer explains which veterans could be eligible, your options for filing a refund claim, and what documentation you’ll need to submit your refund claim.

Tax Due Error Notices and Refund Adjustments

This flyer explains what a tax error notice from the IRS means, how it could adjust your refund amount, and what to do if you think the IRS is wrong.

What Does Cancelled Debt Have to do with My Taxes?

This flyer explains how a debt cancellation can affect your taxes, possible exclusions you may be eligible for, and what you need to get ready to file your taxes.

Collection Alternatives

This flyer is an overview of options for temporarily stopping collections of a tax debt or entering into a payment agreement. More on each of these options below.

Currently Not Collectable (CNC) Status

If you have a balance due on your tax account, which you and the IRS agree you owe, but you can’t pay the balance because it would create a hardship, you may qualify for CNC. This flyer explains more about CNC status and how to request that the IRS place your account into CNC status.

Offer in Compromise

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) lets you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe if you cannot pay your full tax balance or doing so creates financial hardship. This brochure explains more about OICs, how to submit an OIC, what to do if your offer is accepted, and what to do if your offer is rejected.

Streamlined Installment Agreement

A Streamlined Installment Agreement is for taxpayers who owe the IRS less than $25,000 (or less than $50,000 if you agree to a direct debit of the payment). This flyer includes details about Streamlined Installment Agreements and how to apply.

State and Local Tax Collection

This flyer explains what to do if you owe taxes to the State of Ohio or your city or municipality, what happens if you can’t pay, and what income is protected from garnishment.

Self-Employment Handbook

This handbook is a comprehensive guide to taxes for people who are self-employed or work for themselves in Ohio.

Choosing Your Business Structure

When you start your small business, you’ll need to decide how you want to operate your business. This brochure explains the four types of businesses you can choose, gives details on each option, and explains how your choice affects your taxes.

Driving for Rideshare Companies like Uber and Lyft: Ten Things You Need to Know

When you drive for rideshare companies, there are tax issues you may not have considered. This brochure explains how to report income on your tax return, how to deduct rideshare income from your state income tax return, and the differences between being an employee and being an “independent contractor.”

Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)

This flyer explains who needs an EIN, how to get one, and why your bank may request a copy.

School District Withholding for Employers

Every employer keeping an office or doing business in Ohio is required to withhold Ohio income tax. This brochure goes over some exceptions to this rule, how much tax you’ll need to withhold, and when and how often you need to file with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Business Income and Expenses

People who are self-employed need to file a form Schedule C with their tax return to report profit or loss. This packet explains the Schedule C and how to calculate your net income and expenses.

Recordkeeping for Self-Employed Taxpayers

This brochure explains why it is critical for self-employed taxpayers to keep good records, what records you need to keep, and how long you should keep them.

Taxes and Estimated Payments

People who are self-employed or work for themselves pay self-employment tax (SE tax) as well as income tax on net earnings.  This brochure covers how much the SE tax is, why you need to report self-employment income, when you need to make estimated tax payments, and calculating estimated taxes using last year’s tax return.