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Ladder Up is offering free tax preparation clinics at two Chicago Public Library (CPL) locations for the 2024 tax season. These services are available to households earning up to $67,000 or individuals earning up to $35,000 in 2024.
The Harold Washington Library Center will host Ladder Up from now until April 15 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Brighton Park Library will offer services until April 12 on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Additional resources include paper tax forms available at CPL branches throughout the tax season. Patrons can also access forms online through the IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue websites, with CPL providing ten free pages of printing daily.
For those who earned less than $84,000 in 2024, IRS Free File offers guided tax preparation software through trusted partners. Some programs also assist with state income taxes for free.
Veterans and active military members can access free filing services, while others may find local sites offering in-person tax preparation assistance.
The IRS Direct File expanded pilot program includes taxpayers who lived in Illinois for all of 2024. This program provides simple and secure guided software directly from the IRS in both English and Spanish.
Extensions for filing deadlines are available through the IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue, allowing until October 15th for completion.
To combat scams during tax season, resources are available detailing how the IRS contacts taxpayers and accepts payments. Information on recognizing common scams is also provided.
In cases of suspected identity theft or fraud, individuals can report incidents to the IRS or the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for assistance.
J.K. Lasser's "Your Income Tax 2024" is recommended as an additional resource for preparing taxes this year.
For more information about local and national tax resources, visit Tax Prep Chicago.
