As tax filing season gets underway, Legal Services Alabama is urging eligible residents to seek free, reliable legal assistance for tax-related issues and to remain alert for common scams that often spike this time of year.

Free legal help is available for qualifying individuals and families facing tax filing challenges, disputes with the IRS and identity theft tied to tax fraud according to a news release. Legal Services Alabama, commonly known as LSA, also connects eligible taxpayers with free tax preparation services.

These resources are particularly important for low-income workers, seniors, veterans and families who are more likely to face filing errors, audits or fraudulent schemes that can lead to serious financial consequences.

In the release, LSA Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Director Maceo Kirkland said, “During the tax filing season, the most frequent challenges facing clients is obtaining assistance in preparing and filing their returns, gathering the necessary tax forms from third parties such as employers and other entities to whom they provided services in order to prepare their returns, and frequent audits by the IRS which disproportionately target low-income taxpayers.”

LSA assists with a range of tax matters, including responding to IRS notices, resolving tax disputes and addressing identity theft resulting from fraudulent returns. Through its Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, the organization represents eligible taxpayers in federal tax controversies and communicates directly with the IRS on their behalf.

“Low Income Taxpayer Clinics assist low-income people with federal tax controversies by communicating with the IRS on their behalf to challenge the federal tax liability that has been assessed by the IRS. Legal aid can also assist the taxpayers by working out affordable collection options with the IRS if the liability cannot be successfully challenged,” Kirkland said.

LSA also cautions taxpayers to watch for tax-related scams, such as fake IRS calls, emails or letters and dishonest tax preparers promising unusually large refunds. The IRS typically contacts taxpayers by mail and does not demand immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

Alabamians who need assistance or want to learn more about free legal tax services can apply online at www.legalservicesalabama.org/apply-for-services or call the LSA Call Center at (866) 456-4995 to determine eligibility.