As tax season approaches in Illinois, there’s positive news for individuals seeking assistance with their income tax preparation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program and the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP), is providing free support to eligible individuals throughout the state.
IRS Volunteers Ready to Assist Statewide – Free Help for All Ages, Especially Seniors!
For those feeling a bit overwhelmed by the tax process, the IRS has volunteers certified and ready to help at various locations statewide. These trained individuals can assist in filing both state and federal returns for free, ensuring that you meet the April 15 deadline.
Different regions may have varying services and availability based on volunteer capacity, so it’s worth checking what’s offered in your area. The Illinois Department on Aging emphasizes that these services are particularly beneficial for older adults, acknowledging that navigating taxes can be tricky for filers of any age.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) are IRS programs designed to assist taxpayers who speak little English, have a disability, and make $64,000 or less annually. The TCE program, which is exclusively for those 60 years of age and above, focuses on providing answers to inquiries concerning pensions and other retirement-related concerns that are particular to seniors.
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AARP Tax Aid and Ladder Up TAP Offer Free Assistance in Chicagoland – No Membership Required!
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program focuses on taxpayers over 50 or those with low-to-moderate income, offering free tax assistance. Importantly, AARP membership is not a requirement for receiving help.
In the Chicagoland area, the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP) steps in to provide free basic tax return preparation for families and individuals earning up to $64,000 annually. Full-year Illinois residents are eligible for this service.
You can contact the Taxpayer Assistance Division or visit the Illinois Department of Revenue’s website to find out more information and get the help you need. Additionally, on weekdays starting at 8:30 a.m., you can get in-person assistance at any of the IDOR offices spread out around the state. until 5:00 p.m. Don’t pass up this chance to simplify tax season and reduce tax preparation costs!