Directory and blog about low income housing programs, food stamps, and other social issues affecting poor Americans.
Low Income Housing News, Programs, Government Agencies, and More! |
Home | About Us | News/ Blog | Help/ Resources | FAQs |
This State Offers Free Tax Preparation For Low Income Families
The state of Illinois is now offering free tax preparation to low-income families. The announcement was made recently through the state's Department of Human Services. Families with incomes up to $55,000 and individuals with annual incomes up to $30,000 can have their taxes prepared at no cost.
Free service and advice
Preparing taxes can be a daunting task, and keeping up -- and understanding -- tax laws can be complicated. It's also costly. The average cost to have your taxes prepared runs from $159 - $273, depending on whether or not you have deductions. This can be a problem for people with low incomes. Last year, more than 29,000 Illinoisans received free income tax preparation assistance from over 1,800 volunteer tax preparers. The service is being offered again this year.
Volunteers will be at various tax assistance centers across the state to not only prepare taxes for qualifying low-income individuals and families, but also offer advice about withholding allowances, filing status, and other tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. In addition to having taxes done for free, the professional advice can save low-income families even more.
Not just in Illinois
The IRS also offers free tax preparation for seniors and low-income individuals in all states. Find out more at www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers