Federal Tax Clinic Takes on State Tax Disputes Under New Partnership with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Villanova Law’s Federal Tax Clinic, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR), has been recognized as one of three qualified law schools in the Commonwealth that may provide legal assistance with state tax issues. The investment from the DOR will allow the clinic – one of the oldest continuously operating low-income tax clinics in the nation – to expand its services to include tax disputes at the state level. Those services, which are free to the clients, include audits, appeals, refund claims, collection disputes and offers in compromise, among others.

“We are thrilled that we can now help taxpayers in disputes with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Christine Speidel, associate professor of law and director of the Federal Tax Clinic. “Taxes can be intimidating and confusing, and there has been a large, unmet need for help with state tax issues.”

Assistance with these disputes will help clinic clients understand their legal options, exercise their rights and receive associated tax benefits.  

The initiative aligns with the Federal Tax Clinic’s longstanding mission to serve low-income individuals with tax disputes throughout the Delaware Valley, leveling the playing field for those who may have difficulty navigating the complicated tax system.

The expanded services also mean expanded exposure for the clinic’s students, who serve as the primary advocates for taxpayers, provide community education on tax topics and advocate for greater fairness and integrity in the tax system. The hands-on work will benefit current and future clients and afford the students a unique opportunity to learn about and navigate such issues through real representation. In the Commonwealth, only students at the Charles Widger School of Law, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Temple University’s Beasley School of Law will have that opportunity under the DOR’s low-income tax clinic initiative.

“Many of our students go on to practice in the state and local tax area,” said Mike Semes, professor of practice in Villanova’s Graduate Tax Program. “This experience will provide them with skills that will ultimately enhance their career opportunities.”

The Federal Tax Clinic is one of several in-house clinics at Villanova Law where students can gain hands-on experience serving clients. Students in the Federal Tax Clinic work in teams to represent their clients and help them navigate the complex American tax system. Cases include audits, examinations, administrative appeals and collection matters before the IRS and the PA Department of Revenue as well as cases before the United States Tax Court, Federal District Court, Board of Appeals and Commonwealth Court. Learn more about the Federal Tax Clinic.