FAQs

General

Does DCRAC provide financial aid?
No. As an organization we do not have funds to assist our neighbors in need of cash assistance.

DCRAC Law

How is DCRAC Law different from other Law firms?

Most attorneys just can’t afford to take on low-wealth clients, or clients with complicated issues to resolve. That’s what makes DCRAC Law different—your cases are our entire practice, and we offer them at low or no cost.

DCRAC Law identified two areas of critical need in our community: A lawyer to represent clients when they must go against the IRS and a lawyer to help you keep your home from foreclosure if it is not in your name. Financial stability isn’t just about money in the bank—it’s understanding what you do with it, and what can happen to it. DCRAC Law offers the services that go alongside your financial needs: title issues, tax troubles, estate planning, and more.

Does DCRAC Law provide anything else?
Many people don’t realize they need a will, even if they don’t have a lot of wealth on hand. We want to make sure that, if something happens to you, your loved ones—and everything you’ve worked hard for—get taken care of.
What is the difference between the Tax Clinic and VITA sites?
VITA providers are our strongest partners.  They prepare taxes for free.  Our Tax Clinic provides a lawyer for free. Tax debt can be a huge financial burden and having a free lawyer by your side makes dealing with the IRS a little easier.  Tax debt can be a huge financial burden and having a free lawyer by your side makes dealing with the IRS a little easier. 
How do you charge for legal services?
We have a simple fee schedule for different services, although we’re are open to discussing payment arrangements if needed. Some types of legal services do require their own expenses: filing fees, for instance, or other necessary documents and actions like appraisals, title searches, deed filings, or court fees. Those fees are the client’s responsibility, so we do our best to provide an estimate of what they can expect at the outset. 
How are you supposed to help me with my tax issues when you’re funded by the IRS?
It’s actually thanks to the IRS that we can help you—the agency wants every taxpayer to be able to navigate the system without too much undue burden. Congress created Low Income Tax Clinic grants in 1998 specifically to make sure that people in your position can get the tax services they need—and make sure you’re paying what you owe, not more. 

Money School

How is Money School different than any other organization that is engaged in this space?
Basically, we do two different things: Our partners provide coaching and counseling, and we focus on teaching.
Can I meet with someone at the Money School for help with my finances?
Unfortunately, our focus is only on financial education.  All classes we tech are on our website.  These classes are free to attend.
How do I sign-up for a Money School class?
Registered students are able to sign-up for the class you wish to attend.
What if I don't want to register as a student but want to attend a class you offer?
We welcome anyone who wants to attend a class we offer.  There is only one catch.  If we cancel a class for any reason, you may not know about it.
How will Money School help me?
Not knowing what you don’t know about debt, credit, and finance can be dangerous—with consequences that hold you accountable for years. No one teaches you in school about finance, taxes, budgets, or stuff like how to create a will. DCRAC offers all that—at no cost. When it comes to your finances, not everything requires an expert to deal with—but you want to understand what’s going on and what you can do about it.

Don’t see your question?

Please email jquinn@dcrac.org