Illinois residents can assist state's veterans through income tax contribution      

[JAN. 8, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois taxpayers can lend a hand to veterans by simply checking a box on their 2004 income tax returns.

"This is a simple way that Illinoisans can show their support for their hometown heroes," explained Roy L. Dolgos, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.

This year, the state added the Illinois Veterans' Home to its list of voluntary contribution funds. The money will be used to purchase much-needed supplies and equipment to enhance the lives of the more than 1,000 residents of the state's four veterans' homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Under Illinois law, a contribution fund must raise at least $100,000 in order to maintain a spot on the next year's tax forms.

The Illinois Department of Revenue began mailing tax forms at the beginning of the year, and electronic filing will be available Jan. 14.

For more information, call [phone].

[Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs news release]