UPTOWN — With tax season right around the corner, the Center of Economic Progress is offering free tax return assistance to low-income families and individuals in Uptown.
The center will use its conglomerate of volunteers to help families prepare their taxes for free, save money on fees and direct deposit their returns, a process it estimates costs families about $240. Over the last 25 years, the company has brought back over $560 million in tax returns to over 370,000 families, according to a news release.
“On average, we help put six weeks of pay back in families’ pockets. That can mean a lot to an Illinois family,” said David Marzahl, CEO of the Center of Economic Progress. “These volunteers aren’t just helping to provide a service—they’re giving working-class families a chance at greater financial security as they start the year.”
The Center for Economic Progress, which was founded in 1990, is a nonprofit "dedicated to helping hard-working, low-income families move from financial uncertainty to financial security" by offering tax help, legal advice, and year-round financial coaching, the release said.
The center will be working out of Truman College, at 1145 W. Wilson Ave. until April 18. Its hours operation are from 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday. It will also be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To have your taxes prepared remember to bring: all W-2s and 1099s for the year, Social Security cards, or ITINs, for all family members, a valid photo ID, a copy of the previous year’s return, bank account number and routing number if you would like to direct deposit your refund, property tax bill, the amount spent on college expenses, proof of health insurance coverage or a certificate of exceptions, any letters from the IRS, the release said.
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