Free Tax Help Available to Low-Income Elgin Area Residents

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 (CEP), United Way of Elgin, Gail Borden Public Library, Grand Victoria Foundation, and Chase. This tax season, CEP will again make filing taxes easier by bringing its free tax preparation service to the Elgin community.

Last year, free tax preparation services put $2.8 million back into the pockets of Elgin area residents. Certified Tax Preparation Volunteers put in over 2,600 hours helping families by identifying valuable tax credits that are often missed by the inexperienced. The service also help keep families away from vendors who make Refund Anticipation Loans, which can end up costing families more than their refund is worth after fees and interest.

Families who earned less than $50,000 and individuals who earned less than $25,000 in 2013 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 (ITIN) 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 January 22, 2012 to April 14, 2014. Elgin Tax Preparation Site information:

Gail Borden Public Library

270 N. Grove Avenue

Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday, 5:30 PM till capacity is reached

Saturdays, 10 AM till capacity is reached

For shorter wait times, visit in March.

For more information, please call (312) 252-0280 (dial 711 for hearing impaired), or visit www.economicprogress.org. All tax sites are ADA accessible.