Several programs in Illinois are offering free income tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income families and older adults who may need help filing their 2025 income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP), and the GetYourRefund Program are providing basic tax return preparation with electronic filing at select locations across the state.
“Illinois taxpayers can find free, trusted tax help right in their communities,” said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris. “IRS-certified volunteers are available across the state and are happy to help people file their state and federal returns accurately and on time by the April 15 deadline.”
The way assistance is provided and when it is available depends on volunteer capacity in each region.
“Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive,” said Illinois Department on Aging Director Mary Killough. “Community-based free tax preparation programs can help simplify the filing process and ensure older adults get the refund they deserve.”
The IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals, including those making $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. The TCE program focuses especially on those aged 60 or older, addressing questions about pensions and retirement issues unique to seniors. VITA and TCE sites are typically found at community centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other accessible locations throughout Illinois.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers free tax assistance with a focus on taxpayers over age 50 or those with low-to-moderate income. Volunteers in this program receive annual training and IRS certification to keep up with changes in tax laws. Local availability varies, but AARP membership is not required.
Ladder Up’s TAP provides free basic tax return preparation for families and individuals earning up to $40,000 annually. To qualify, taxpayers must be full-year residents of Illinois or Indiana; if filing jointly, both spouses must be present.
GetYourRefund is a no-cost service offered by Code for America along with the IRS VITA program and nonprofit partners. It helps low- and moderate-income Americans access quality tax preparation either virtually from home, online using free software for federal and state filings, or in person.
For more information about these services, taxpayers can visit IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.gov or contact its Taxpayer Assistance Division at 800-732-8866. IDOR offices located in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford, and Springfield also provide assistance weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., where staff can answer questions about Illinois state income tax filings.
The Illinois Department of Revenue works to foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and equity for employees and customers as described on its official site: https://tax.illinois.gov/aboutidor/eeo-aa.html
In addition to overseeing collection of state taxes and delivering reliable financial information as stated on its official website https://tax.illinois.gov/aboutidor.html , IDOR operates within state taxation management while focusing on fairly administering laws efficiently.
