Elgin United Way, Grand Victoria Foundation sponsor free tax help program
Tax season is here and there are many different ways for you to get help here in the Elgin area.
The United Way of Elgin and the Grand Victoria Foundation are once again sponsoring the Free Tax Preparation Program through "Ladder Up" (formerly Center for Economic Progress).
This program is available to:
• Those who have children eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit;
• Households with incomes less than $55,000;
• Individuals with incomes less than $30,000.
Last year, certified volunteer tax preparers filed 1,181 returns and generated over $2.3 million in refunds for residents in our community. This year's program opens Saturday, Feb. 2, at Judson University and runs though Tax Day (April 15).
The tax help program is offered in the university's Lindner Tower, 500 W. River Road, third floor. It is open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The tax site operates on a first-come, first-served basis and often reaches capacity before the closure time so come early. Allow at least two hours or more for tax preparation.
All taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers.
If you are filing a joint return with your spouse, both spouses must be present to finalize the return.
This service is for full-year Illinois residents - they cannot prepare non-Illinois returns.
For the latest information on closures due to weather or holidays, visit www.economicprogress.org or follow @econ_progress on Twitter.
You must bring the original Social Security card/ITIN letter for everyone on your return; a valid form of photo identification; all 2018 tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.); bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit; proof of health insurance coverage (Form 1095-A, 1095-B, 1095-C, Medicare card) or Certificate of Exemption; and last year's tax return, if available.
If applicable, you should also bring Form SSA-1099 if you receive Social Security benefits; a copy of property tax bill paid in 2018.
If you have college expenses, bring Form 1098-T, student account transcripts, and other records related to amounts paid for college.
If you drive for Uber/Lyft, bring Form 1099-K and/or Form 1099-MISC, records of miles driven (which is available on your online profile).
If you are self-employed, bring your income and expense records.
A partial list of those who are not eligible for tax services includes individuals who receive income from rental property; have Form 1099-A (Acquisition or Abandonment of Secured Property); Form 1099-C (Cancellation of Debt) for discharged debt other than credit card (Box 4); taxpayers wishing to claim the Home Office Deduction; taxpayers whose business produces a loss. There are other situations that are out of scope - CEP will examine your situation after you arrive at the site.
If you are unable to sit and meet with one of their certified tax preparers, you can drop off your paperwork and pick up your return later. You can even file online if that is easiest and most convenient for you! Visit their website at www.economicprogress.org to learn more.