Families in need can get free tax preparations
Submitted by United Way of Elgin
Families struggling just to make ends meet shouldn’t have to pay to get their tax refund, and, in Illinois, they don’t — thanks to a partnership with the Center for Economic Progress, United Way of Elgin, Gail Borden Public Library and Grand Victoria Foundation.
This tax season, CEP will make filing taxes less taxing by bringing its award-winning free tax preparation service to the Elgin community.
“Free tax services help low-wage families keep and save more of their hard-earned money. Through our partnership with the Center for Economic Progress, we’re able to help the low-income families in our community get their tax refund quickly and completely, save more of their hard-earned money and put it to good use by saving some of it right at the tax site,” said Lynne Bosley, president of United Way of Elgin.
For families struggling under the weight of holiday bills as well as rising heating and gas prices, their tax refund is likely the largest lump sum they will receive all year. It is often their best chance to stop the cycle of debt in its tracks thanks largely to credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, worth up to $5,751 this year.
A family’s tax refund also offers a chance to put some money into savings. To help families looking to save their tax refund for a rainy day, CEP is partnering with local banks and credit unions to help clients access low-to-no fee checking and savings accounts. At the Elgin tax site, clients will be able to receive their refunds on a prepaid debit card. Elgin clients can also receive free help with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — taking aim at a major barrier to success for low-income and first-generation college students by helping them obtain need-based financial aid.
Families who earned less than $50,000 and individuals who earned less than $25,000 in 2011 are eligible for CEP’s services. Those interested in having their taxes prepared should bring the following items with them to the tax sites: all W-2 and 1099 forms; Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all family members; valid photo ID; copy of last year’s tax return; copy of most recent property tax bill; bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of refund; and the amount spent on college expenses.
Tax sites will be open from Saturday, Jan. 21 to April 14. In Elgin at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., the Center for Economic Progress will offer tax help from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (The Thursday hours will end Feb. 23). For shorter wait times, visit in March.
For information, call (888) 827-8511 or TTY (312) 701-1326, or visit economicprogress.org. All tax sites are ADA accessible.
Founded in 1990, the Center for Economic Progress is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping hardworking, low-income families move from financial uncertainty to financial security. Operating one of the largest and oldest statewide tax preparation programs in the country, CEP has helped more than 270,000 families and returned nearly $400 million in refunds to Illinois communities.
Founded in 1923, the United Way of Elgin brings together people from business, government, health and human services to address our community’s needs. Money raised through the United Way of Elgin campaign stays in our community funding programs and services in Elgin, South Elgin, Burlington, Pingree Grove and Hampshire. United Way of Elgin is the leader in a process that reinforces community stability while moving forward to create lasting change.