Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance
Available
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[February 15, 2023]
Low-to-moderate
income families and older adults needing assistance filing their
2022 income taxes can receive free help through several trusted
programs across Illinois.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), American Association of Retired
Persons’ (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program, and the Ladder Up Tax
Assistance Program, provide free basic income tax return preparation
with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations
statewide.
"It is important for Illinois taxpayers to know they can receive
help from qualified volunteers certified by the IRS at various
locations statewide,” said Illinois Department of Revenue Director
David Harris. “These individuals are ready and willing to assist
taxpayers in filing their state and federal tax returns accurately
and on time by the April 18 deadline.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Feb/10/images/ads/current/friendshipmanor_sda_BASKETBALL_2022.png)
How taxpayer assistance is provided and when services
are available varies by region, based upon volunteer capacity.
“Even modest tax refunds can be a significant boost to older adults’
household budgets,” said Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula
Basta. “By seeking free tax prep assistance from a trusted local
program, you have the best likelihood of getting your full refund
and of getting your taxes done on time, correctly and hassle-free.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Feb/10/images/ads/current/charrons_bch_2022.png)
The IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling
for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return
preparation to qualified individuals needing assistance in preparing
their own tax returns. People making $60,000 or less, persons with
disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers can take
advantage of this service.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Feb/10/images/ads/current/ldn_lda_BUSINESSDIRECTORY_PROMO_2023.png)
In addition, the TCE program offers free tax help,
particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older,
specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related
issues unique to seniors. VITA and TCE sites are generally located
at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping
malls, and other convenient locations across the country.
The
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides free tax assistance,
with a special focus on taxpayers over the age of 50 or who have
low-to-moderate income. Availability is determined at the local or
community level. AARP membership is not required to receive
assistance.
In Chicagoland, the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP) provides
free basic tax return preparation for families earning up to $60,000
and individuals earning up to $32,000 annually. IRS-certified
volunteer tax preparers assist in filing federal and state returns.
Taxpayers can search for a free tax assistance provider closest to
them by visiting IDOR's website
tax.illinois.gov. Individuals
with questions should contact IDOR's Taxpayer Assistance Division at
800-732-8866.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Feb/10/images/ads/current/longviewbank_lda_020723.png)
Taxpayers may also visit any of IDOR's offices
located in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford,
and Springfield to receive assistance. Staff at these locations can
help with any Illinois state income tax filing inquiries and are
available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |