Income Taxpayer Assistance at Center of Concern: Multiple Programs Available to Assist Community Members

The Center of Concern is launching new taxpayer assistance programs this year to complement current community services. Residents throughout North suburban Cook County can make use of the agency's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) for tax court representation, Tax Counseling for the Elderly for adults aged 60+, and Income Tax Preparation Assistance provided by professional volunteers.

"Providing access to taxpayer services and representation in disputes with the IRS is extremely important to our community, regardless of our client's household income. I am excited and honored to launch the Center of Concern's new Low Income Taxpayer Clinic and I look forward to representing clients in the upcoming year," said Center of Concern LITC Director Michael Duhn.

The Center of Concern's new Low Income Taxpayer Clinic can provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, appeals, tax collection matters and other tax disputes. LITC Clinic Director Michael Duhn comes to the agency with 6 years of experience in practicing tax resolution after graduating with a Masters of Public Administration from Wichita State University, followed by his Masters of Business Administration from Salem International University, and a Juris Doctor from UIC's John Marshall Law School. LITC services are provided for free to qualified residents with IRS disputes in amounts less than $50,000.

The agency's new Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help to individuals who are age 60+. Tax return preparation assistance is provided to older adult taxpayers during the normal period for filing Federal income tax returns. This program runs in conjunction with the agency's longstanding Income Tax Preparation Assistance which offers income tax preparation services to clients with an annual income below $60,000 from Feb. 1 to April 15. Professional volunteers assist clients with income tax preparation, and suggested donations for this service are based on a sliding scale determined by household income and family size.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for taxpayer assistance, call the Center of Concern at (847) 823-0453, or visit centerofconcern.org.

The Center of Concern's mission is to provide housing assistance, support services, and counseling for older adults, people with disabilities, and others in need, enabling them to live with dignity and independence. The Center of Concern's website is www.centerofconcern.org.