Money & Debt

For help filing Illinois state taxes, go to the Illinois Department of Revenue Taxpayer Answer Center.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program may be able to help you file your taxes and apply for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, depending on your income. To get help, you must:

• Make less than $60,000 a year, or
• Have a disability, or
• Only speak limited English.

You will need to bring these papers with you to file:

• 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 the previous year's tax return, if possible
• Checking and savings account number and routing number if you choose to direct deposit your tax refund
• Property tax bill, if applicable
• Amount spent on college expenses 
• Any letters from the IRS, if applicable

If your adjusted gross income is less than $73,000, you can use IRS Free File to prepare and file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation. The IRS has various options you can choose from for free guided tax preparation. It's safe, easy, and no cost to you for a federal return. Learn more about IRS Free File on the IRS website. You may also call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or 800-829-4059 (TDD).

Help in and around Chicago

In the Chicagoland area, there is a program where families with incomes under $58,000 and individuals with incomes under $32,000 can get free electronic tax preparation and access to financial services. Go to LadderUp to find a location near you.

Chicago residents can check Tax Prep Chicago for additional help.