State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is helping get the word out about free tax preparation assistance available to low-to-moderate income families and senior citizens. Qualified people needing help filing their 2019 income taxes can receive free help through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and AARP Tax-Aide programs for basic income tax returns at more than 300 locations statewide. In the 107th District, the seven locations are:
Centralia – Calumet Street Christian Church, 2240 E. Calumet St.
Dates: Feb. 1 – April 15; Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00AM-4:00PM
For Appointment call: 618-533-8890
Effingham – CEFS Effingham County Outreach, 202 N. Banker Street
Dates: Jan 27 – April 15; Mondays 9:00AM-4:00PM, Tue-Fri: 9:00AM-4:00PM
Effingham Public Library 200 N. 3rd St.
Dates: Feb 1 – April 15; TUE: 9:30AM – 4:00PM;
For Appointment call: 217-342-2464, ext. 1
Greenville – Bond County Senior Center, 1001 E. Harris Ave.
Dates: Feb 4 –April 9; TUE-THU: 9:00AM-2:00PM
Salem – First Christian Church 1200 W. Boone St.
Dates: Feb 3 – April 6; Mondays: 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Teutopolis – Catholic Charities-Effingham VITA, 1502 East Fayette Ave.
Dates: Jan 30 – April 1; Tue-Thu: 9:00AM-11:30AM, 12:30PM-3:30PM;
(Site opens at 10:30am every second Thursday of each month)
Vandalia – CEFS Fayette County Outreach, 517 W. Gallatin Street
Dates: Jan. 27 – April 15; Mon: 9:00AM-4:00PM, Tue-Fri: 9:00AM-4:00PM
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, working-families or elderly taxpayers can meet with a certified volunteer who will help them file their state and federal returns. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free tax help for individuals making $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, taxpayers who speak limited English and individuals 60 years of age or older. AARP’s Foundation Tax-Aide program focuses on helping low-to-moderate income individuals, with special attention to those over 50 years of age. An AARP membership is not required.
Taxpayers can search for a free tax assistance provider closest to them by visiting the Illinois Department of Revenue’s website tax.illinois.gov. The Illinois Department on Aging can be helpful to seniors and can be reached by calling the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966.