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Planning for taxes—and getting professional help when needed—can reduce frustration and help you keep more of what you work so hard to earn.

An award-winning nonprofit, the Center for Economic Progress (CEP) helps hard-working, low-income families move from financial uncertainty to financial security. We offer a full-range of tax and financial services to help families acquire the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to make sound financial choices.

From January through April, CEP has free tax sites in communities throughout Illinois. Each year, thanks to our 800+ IRS-certified volunteer corps, we help nearly 20,000 Illinois families file their taxes and get all the tax credits they have earned and refunds they are owed.  But our free tax sites are not only a place to get your taxes done.  At most sites, you can open a bank account, as well as learn ways to save for the future and better manage your money.

We provide free tax help to:

• Families with incomes less than $50,000
• Individuals with incomes less than $25,000

To get our free tax services, you MUST bring with you:

• All W-2s and 1099s (if any) for the year involved
• Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for all family members
• Valid photo ID for the person filing
• Copy of previous year’s tax return, if possible
• Bank account number and routing number if you choose to direct deposit your tax refund
• Property tax bill
• Amount spent on college expenses

Find a CEP tax site near you by visiting www.economicprogress.org.

Year-Round Tax Tips

Taxes are not only an item on your to-do list every spring. Planning for them should be part of your mindset; think year-round of ways to reduce taxes and make the best use of your refund when you receive it.

• Make the most of the federal W-4 form. Adjust your allowances to help you meet your money goals.
• Donate items to charitable organizations (clothes, household goods, etc.) and save receipts so that you can claim a charitable deduction.
• Keep good records. It’s easier to find the information (receipts, medical claim forms, etc.) you need when you have organized files. Keep tax records for at least three years.
• If you are self-employed, it’s particularly important to keep good records since you may be able to take a deduction for work-related expenses.
• Plan ahead the way you will spend any tax refund you receive.
• Most importantly, check if you can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit or other homeowner tax credits that can potentially increase your  tax refund or lower your tax payment. Get all the tax credits you deserve.

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