Free Income Tax Preparation Programs Available for Eligible Taxpayers in Illinois
Illinois taxpayers who need assistance filing their 2023 income taxes can take advantage of free income tax preparation programs available across the state. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program and the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP) offer free essential income tax return preparation with electronic filing to eligible individuals in select locations statewide.
Qualifying taxpayers can receive free help from volunteers certified by the IRS at various locations statewide. These qualified and trained individuals are ready to assist those taxpayers needing help to file their state and federal returns by the Monday, April 15 deadline.
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free essential tax return preparation to qualified individuals needing assistance preparing their tax returns. People making $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers can use this service. The TCE program specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors, particularly those 60 and older. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations across the state.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides free tax assistance, focusing on taxpayers over 50 or with low-to-moderate income. Availability is determined at the local or community level. AARP membership is not required to receive help.
Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the free help from volunteers certified by the IRS at various locations statewide. He said, “These qualified and trained individuals are ready to assist those taxpayers in need of help filing their state and federal returns before the April 15 deadline.”
How taxpayer assistance is provided and when services are available varies by region, based upon volunteer capacity. Taxpayers can learn more about free tax assistance by visiting IDOR’s website, tax.illinois.gov. Individuals with questions should contact IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 800-732-8866. Taxpayers may also visit IDOR’s offices 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.
