Free Tax Preparation for Qualified Chi-Town Residents

It seems to roll around oh, so swiftly. Yes, tax season is upon us again. The sooner we file, the better we feel. And, we might even feel a bit richer with a little extra “cha-ching” in our pockets.

Some of you can already envision that extra cash in your hands. Hopefully, not only will you get money back (here’s hoping for the best!) but, you may not have to pay to have your taxes prepared. Who couldn’t use a few extra dollars? After all, you earned it!

This is definitely an opportunity you do not want to miss out on. Last year, the City of Chicago assisted over 20,000 Chi-Town families with their tax preparations. As a result, these families received over $34 million in tax refunds. Yes, I said over $34 million! But, there is more money to be refunded and many more families in Chicago who are eligible for free tax preparation services who do not take advantage of this city service. If you are a Chi-Town family earning less than $50,000 annually, or a Chi-Town citizen bringing home less than $25,000 a year, this information could be for you!

For one, some Chi-Town citizens may not be aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit awareness campaign, designed to help working families in our city, giving financial relief to those who may qualify. Thanks to Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois Legislature, an increase has recently been approved, providing additional funds to eligible Chi-Town families. All you have to do is check your eligibility, file your taxes, and claim your refund money. About 25 percent of those who qualify do not step up to claim this important tax credit. By not checking to see if you qualify, you could be forfeiting a sizable refund, up to $5700.

A bonus you receive having your taxes done by the City of Chicago’s FREE tax preparation services is financial counseling. You gain a greater knowledge of your fiscal affairs. Single parents and families can learn about the Child Tax Credit. College bound students can receive assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Immigrants can get that much needed Taxpayer Identification Number to file their income taxes.

Don’t wait. See if you qualify to have your taxes prepared FREE of charge. For more information, call 311; 312-630-0273; or 312-409-1555; in Spanish: 312-409-4318. You can also call the Center for Economic Progress at 312-630-0288, or visit their website here.

You can also call Ladder Up, 312-466-0771, or visit their website here.

To see a list of FREE Income Tax Preparations locations you can visit to have your taxes completed and to see all the necessary documents you will need to bring, go here. Accommodations for disabled Chi-Town citizens is available, just call 311 or TTY at 312-744-8599.

Additional information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040, or visit the IRS’ official website here.