These Illinois services offer free help to get your taxes filed ahead of 2023 deadline
Taxes are due April 18, and help preparing returns is available across southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis metro area.
“Even modest tax refunds can be a significant boost to older adults’ household budgets,” Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta said in a Feb. 9 statement. “By seeking free tax prep assistance from a trusted local program, you have the best likelihood of getting your full refund and of getting your taxes done on time, correctly and hassle-free.”
Here’s where to find tax preparation assistance in southwestern Illinois.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
This program offers assistance to people who make $60,000 or less, people with disabilities and people who speak limited English.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly are free, and volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds U.S. Internal Revenue Service standards, the agency says. The training includes privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information.
Operating dates vary depending on the site, and some locations require appointments while others don’t.
You can call 888-227-7669 or use an online tool to find the nearest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. The online locator indicates which sites offer virtual interpreting services.
Here are some of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locations in southwestern Illinois:
Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh (Feb. 4 to April 8, appointment required)
Fairview Heights Recreation Center (Feb. 13 to April 10, appointment required)
New Bethel Church in East St. Louis (Feb. 2 to April 8, appointment required)
Macedonia Baptist Church in East St. Louis (Jan. 26 to April 6, appointment required. Virtual interpreting services available.)
Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis (Feb. 18 to April 15 Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments not required)
Most locations are only open on certain days.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free help to those 60 years and older, and volunteers specialize in pension questions and retirement-related topics, the IRS says.
The IRS online locator provides a list of sites offering Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly options. You can also call 800-906-9887 for help finding a site near you.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers tax preparation assistance with no age or income requirement. Individuals do not need an AARP membership to receive help.
You can find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide center through an online locator. Hours and available services vary by location, so you may want to check in advance before heading out.
Here are some of the locations in southwestern Illinois:
Programs and Services for Older People at 210 N. Church St. in Belleville (appointment required, call 618-277-5511)
Millstadt Senior Center (appointment required, call 618-476-3731)
Freeburg Township Building (appointment required, call 618-539-5639)
O’Fallon Public Library at 120 Civic Plaza (appointment required, call 618-632-3783)
Cahokia Public Library at 140 Cahokia Park Drive (appointment required, call 618-332-1491)
Taxpayers can also search for a free tax assistance provider by visiting tax.illinois.gov. The Illinois Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Assistance Division can be reached at 800-732-8866 with any questions.
If your adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less, you can file your federal return for free with the IRS. There are options available for guided tax preparation and fillable forms.
