Free Tax Help for Illinois Residents With Disabilities, Others in Need
Programs offering free tax preparation and help filing tax returns are available to eligible individuals and families across Illinois.
People with disabilities, families with low income, taxpayers who speak limited English, and individuals over the age of 50 can receive tax help through in-person and online programs.
Many of the programs will provide help through April 15, the deadline for filing your 2023 tax return. The type of services and programs available will vary by region.
The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
VITA sites offer free tax help to individuals, including:
- People who genrally make $64,000 or less
- People with disabilities
- Taxpayers who speak limited English
- People 60 years of age or older
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service focuses on providing in-person and online tax help to people over the age of 50 or who have low-to-moderate income. You do not need to be an AARP member to receive assistance.
The AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator can help you find a site where an IRS-certified volunteer can help you prepare and file your taxes.
Tax-Aide also offers free virtual coaching and software for state and federal returns if you prefer to do your own taxes. You must:
- Have an income between $16,000 and $79,000
- Be an active-duty military member making $79,000 or less
In the Chicagoland area, taxpayers can also access the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP). The program provides free basic tax return preparation for:
- Families earning up to $64,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 per year
- Full-year Illinois residents
You can also contact your local library and government offices for information about free tax preparation services in your area.