Ill. Veterans' Affairs asks taxpayers to share their refunds with Illinois' veterans

[March 11, 2009]  CHICAGO -- As Illinoisans continue to fill out their state tax returns, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Dan Grant is reminding residents about an easy and effortless way to help the state's military heroes. Taxpayers can share their refunds by completing Step 10 on their Illinois tax return and donating to the four state veterans homes.

"Times are tough, and we need all the help we can get to ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedoms are receiving the best care, services and treatment that we can give them," Grant said. "I want to encourage all Illinoisans, when completing their 2008 income tax returns, to fill out Step 10 and make a donation to the Illinois Veterans' Home Fund. This is a simple way to support our veterans and a way to say thank you for all that they have done."

The Illinois Veterans' Home Fund was added to the state's list of voluntary contribution funds in 2004. The money raised through the fund is used to purchase much-needed supplies and equipment to enhance the lives of the nearly 1,000 residents of the state's four veterans homes, located in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Last year, Illinois residents generously donated more than $141,700 to the fund. Examples of some of the purchases made with the donations are bicycles and accessories, digital cameras, computers and monitors, and custom cabinets.

Residents must complete Schedule G to identify the charitable organization the donation in Step 10 of the IL-1040 tax form is to be made to. Using electronic filing makes completing this form much easier and provides the added benefit of processing the donation more quickly.

"Our veterans stood forward when this country needed them the most. They risked their lives to defend us. Now, we all have a responsibility to care for them when they return home and for the rest of their lives," Grant added. "So please -- make a donation to the Illinois Veterans' Home Fund from a portion of your 2008 income tax refund and help support our veterans."

For more information, call the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

[Text from Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]