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Chicago Resource Hub > Free Tax Return Preparation
Reliable Information on Social Service Organizations & Free Community Resources

Free Tax Return Preparation

File Electronically on the Internet

Follow this link, to find Referrals Directly from the IRS.gov freefile Website.

(Scroll down to find organizations to file in Person in Chicago)

TaxACT® Free File
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $50,000 or less AND your age is 56 or younger, OR
  • You are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, OR
  • You are active military with an Adjusted Gross Income of $62,000 or less
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for any state

TurboTax ® All Free(℠)
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $31,000 or less, OR
  • You are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, OR
  • You are active military with an Adjusted Gross Income of $62,000 or less
  • All Ages
  • Free extensions for anyone
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for any state

Free1040TaxReturn.com
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND
  • Your age is 70 or younger, AND
  • Live in any state, except: FL, NH, NV, SD, TN, or TX
  • Free Extensions for anyone
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for some states

TaxSlayer
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less AND your age is 52 or younger, OR
  • You are active military with an Adjusted Gross Income of $62,000 or less
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for some states

Online Taxes at OLT.com
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is between $13,000 and $62,000
  • All Ages
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for any state

FreeTaxUSA® IRS Free File Edition
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND your age is between 17 and 74, AND
  • Live in any state, except: AK, FL, NH, NV, SD, TN, TX, WA or WY, OR
  • You are active military with an Adjusted Gross Income of $62,000 or less
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone

1040NOW.NET
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND
  • You live in any of these states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NY, OK, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT or WV
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address OR
  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND
  • Your age is 60 or younger, AND
  • Live in any of these states: CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MT, NE, NJ, NM, OH, PA, UT or WI

1040.com Free File Edition
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND your age is 52 or younger
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone

ezTaxReturn.com
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND you live in any of these states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, or WI
  • All Ages

Jackson Hewitt
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND
  • Your age is 49 or younger, OR
  • You are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone

H&R Block's Free File
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND your age is between 17 and 50, OR
  • You are active military with an Adjusted Gross Income of $62,000 or less
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for any state

FileYourTaxes.com
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is between $8,000 and $62,000 or less, AND your age is between 15 and 65
  • Same criteria apply when filing with a foreign address
  • Free extensions for anyone
  • Same criteria apply for free state return(s) for some states

eSmart Free File Edition
IRS.gov freefile
Receive a free Federal return if:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income is $62,000 or less, AND your age is between 18 and 54

File with a person at a Help Center in Chicago

(to file electronically - see above)

The Center for Economic Progress

The Center for Economic Progress Eligibility:

Families (more than one person in home) with income less than $50,000
Individuals with AGI income less than $25,000

Center for Economic Progress - Auburn Gresham
Auburn Gresham Tax Site
7811 S Racine
Chicago, IL 60620

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!

Center for Economic Progress - Bronzeville
Dawson Technical Institute
3901 South State Street
Rooms 105 & 107, "Glass Room" in Cafeteria
Chicago, IL 60609

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!

Drop-off tax prep is an option at this site. Bring all your documents to be scanned, fill out intake forms, and return a week later to review, sign, and pick up your return.

Center for Economic Progress - Springfield
Family Service Center
730 E. Vine St.
Conference Room, 1st Floor
Springfield, IL 62703

Site Open:
1/23/2016 – 4/16/2016
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card

Center for Economic Progress - Lawndale
St. Agatha’s Church
3147 W Douglas Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60623

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/16/2016
Hours: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts: TCF Bank
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card

Drop-off tax prep is an option at this site. Bring all your documents to be scanned, fill out intake forms, and return a week later to review, sign, and pick up your return.

Loop
Center for Economic Progress
165 N. Jefferson
1st Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts: First Midwest Bank
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!

Center for Economic Progress - Pilsen
Instituto del Progreso Latino
2570 S. Blue Island
Chicago, IL 60608

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Site will not be open on Monday, 2/15.Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus CardCenter for Economic Progress - Uptown

Uptown
Truman College
1145 W. Wilson
Chicago, IL 60640

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Closed 2/15Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!Drop-off tax prep is an option at this site. Bring all your documents to be scanned, fill out intake forms, and return a week later to review, sign, and pick up your return.

Center for Economic Progress - Aurora
Waubonsee Community College
18 South River St.
Aurora, IL 60506

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/16/2016
Hours: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Site will not be open on Wednesday, 3/16 and Saturday, 3/19.Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!Center for Economic Progress - Elgin

Evanston
Judson University - Lindner Tower
500 W River Rd
Elgin, IL 60123

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!

Drop-off tax prep is an option at this site. Bring all your documents to be scanned, fill out intake forms, and return a week later to review, sign, and pick up your return.

Center for Economic Progress - Joliet
Spanish Community Center
309 N Eastern Ave
Joliet, IL 60432

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/16/2016
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts: First Midwest Bank
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card

Drop-off tax prep is an option at this site. Bring all your documents to be scanned, fill out intake forms, and return a week later to review, sign, and pick up your return.

Center for Economic Progress - Lake County/ Waukegan
Father Gary Graf Center
510 10th St.
Waukegan, IL 60085

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/16/2016
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card

Center for Economic Progress - Southland/Chicago Heights
Bloom Township
425 S. Halsted St.
Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/18/2016
Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Site will not be open on Monday, 1/18; Monday, 2/15; and Saturday 3/26.
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts: First Midwest Bank
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card
Save part of your refund and enter to win weekly $100 prizes!

Center for Economic Progress - Evanston
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave
Evanston, IL 60201-3505

Site Open:
1/26/16 - 04/16/16
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Additional Onsite Services
Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card

Center for Economic Progress - Brighton Park
Kelly High School
4136 S. California
Chicago, IL 60632

Site Open:
1/23/2016 - 4/16/2016

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Site will not be open on Thursday, 4/14.Additional Onsite Services  Bank Accounts:
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus CardDrop-off tax prep is an option at this site. Bring all your documents to be scanned, fill out intake forms, and return a week later to review, sign, and pick up your return.

Loop
Center for Economic Progress (Main Office)
567 W. Lake St.
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

Site Open:
Money Action Days (Get free, year-round tax help and money advice)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Select Dates in 2016 -- Saturday, May 14; Saturday, June 11; Thursday, June 30; Friday, July 29; Friday, August 19; Friday, September 16; Friday, October 28
Weekend Hours: None
First come, First serve
Income limits apply: $50,000 for family, $25,000 for individuals

CEP's tax and financial experts will be on hand to provide the following free services:

• Preparing both federal and state tax returns for current year 2013 and prior years
• Help filing amended returns for both federal and state tax returns
• Professional legal advice on tax problems
• Credit building advice from expert Credit Geeks
• Access to prepaid debit cards
• Assistance with applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identfiication Number (also known as an ITIN, PIN, Tax ID or Taxpayer ID)
• Referrals to a CEP financial coach

See checklist of what to bring for free tax help.
For ITIN application assistance, additional documents are requred.

Center for Economic Progress - WestChicago
Leman Middle School
238 E. Hazel Street
WestChicago, IL 60185
Site Open: 1/23/2016 - 4/16/2016
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)
Weekend Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tax site closes when capacity is reached)

Bank Accounts
Prepaid Card: CFR Focus Card

Ladder Up Chicago

Ladder Up
Families (more than one person in home) with income less than $50,000
Individuals with income less than $25,000

Austin Town Hall

5610 W. Lake
Chicago, IL 60644

Sat 9:30 AM-12:30 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)

Benito Juarez Community Academy

1510 W. Cermak
Chicago, IL 60608

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 9)
Closed Apr 16

Gary Comer Youth Center

7200 S. Ingleside
Chicago, IL 60619

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Only Feb 6, 20, 27; Apr 9)

Harold Washington Library

400 S. State
Chicago, IL 60605

Mon, Wed 12-7 PM (Jan 25-Apr 18)
Tue, Thur 5-7 PM (Jan 26-Apr 14)
Fri 10 AM-3 PM (Jan 29-Apr 15)
Closed Feb 12, Feb 15, Mar 7
Sat 9:30 AM-12:30 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)

Kennedy-King College

6301 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60621

Fri 10 AM-4 PM (Feb 5-Apr 15)
Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)
Closed Mar 25, Mar 26

Northeastern Illinois University

5500 N. Saint Louis
Chicago, IL 60625

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)
Closed Mar 26

Olive-Harvey College

10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60628

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)
Closed Mar 26

Roberto Clemente Community Academy

1147 N. Western
Chicago, IL 60622

Tue 5:30-8:30 PM (In Feb and on Apr 5, 12)
Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 9)
Closed Apr 16

Saint Xavier University

3700 W. 103rd
Chicago, IL 60655

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Only Feb 13, Mar 26)

WIC Food Center – Armitage

3110 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60647

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 23-Apr 16)

WIC Food Center – Diversey

4620 W. Diversey
Chicago, IL 60639

Mon, Wed 12-7 PM (In Feb and on Apr 4, 6, 11, 13, 18)
Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 23-Apr 16)
Closed Feb 15

WIC Food Center – Kedzie

2400 S. Kedzie
Chicago, IL 60623

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 23-Apr 16)

WIC Food Center – Western

5332 S. Western
Chicago, IL 60609

Tue, Thur 12-4 PM (In Feb on Apr 5, 7, 12, 14)
Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 23-Apr 16)

Wilbur Wright College

4300 N. Narragansett
Chicago, IL 60634

Fri 10 AM-4 PM (Feb 5-Apr 15)
Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)
Closed Mar 25, Mar 26

Cowherd Middle School

441 N. Farnsworth
Aurora, IL 60505

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)

Unity Junior High School

2100 S. Laramie
Cicero, IL 60804

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)
Wed 5:30-8:30 PM (In Feb and on Apr 6, 13)

DeVry Education Group

3005 Highland Pkwy.
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)

Casa Esperanza

1115 N. 23rd
Melrose Park, IL 60160

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)

Plainfield Township Community Center

15014 S. Des Plaines
Plainfield, IL 60544

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Jan 30-Apr 16)

Waukegan City Hall

100 N. Martin Luther King Jr.
Waukegan, IL 60085

Sat 9 AM-12 PM (Only in Feb and on Apr 2, 9, 16)