Ladder Up and Center for Economic Progress, the leading Chicago-based providers of free financial services in Illinois, have merged under the name Ladder Up.

Through our Tax Clinic, we provide free legal representation to low-income taxpayers facing tax disputes with the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue. We also offer tax training for the self-employed and small businesses. To establish sound business practices, we help them to build their knowledge of record keeping and self-employment tax laws. Since 2000, the Tax Clinic has helped over 4,000 low-income individuals and families through direct representation and brief advice.

The PILI Fellow will be admitted to practice before the IRS under special-practice orders and will play a critical role in providing Clinic services to clients. The Fellow will assist Tax Clinic clients with issues related to collection, audits, innocent spouse claims, and employee versus independent contractor disputes, among others. Fellows do not necessarily need previous tax controversy experience to apply. The Tax Clinic Director and Staff Attorney will provide training, guidance, and ongoing support on any unfamiliar issues. Each Fellow will have one-on-one case review with the Staff Attorney. Upon beginning their Fellowship, the Clinic will organize regular weekly meetings to review cases and provide feedback to the Fellow.

This agency is approved to host Graduate Fellows.