For Immediate Release – February 9, 2026
Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance Available for Qualifying Taxpayers
CHICAGO – Several trusted Illinois programs offer free income tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and older adults who may need assistance in filing their 2025 income taxes.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program, the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP), and the GetYourRefund Program provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations statewide.
“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.”
How taxpayer assistance is provided and when services are available varies by region, based upon volunteer capacity.
“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 needing assistance in preparing their own tax returns. People making $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers can take advantage of this service. In addition, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations across the state.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides free tax assistance, with a special focus on taxpayers over the age of 50 or who have low-to-moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Availability is determined at the local or community level and AARP membership is not required to receive assistance.
The Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP) provides free basic tax return preparation for families and individuals earning up to $40,000 annually. Taxpayers must be full-year Illinois or Indiana residents and if a joint return is filed, both spouses need to be present.
The GetYourRefund is a free tax service, provided by Code for America in partnership with the IRS VITA program and nonprofit partners, that helps low- and moderate-income Americans access trustworthy, high-quality tax preparation—at home with virtual help, online with free federal and state filing software, or in person.
Taxpayers can learn more about free tax assistance by visiting IDOR’s website tax.illinois.gov. Individuals with questions should contact IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 800-732-8866.
Taxpayers may also visit any of IDOR’s offices located in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford, and Springfield to receive assistance. Staff at these locations can help with any Illinois state income tax filing inquiries and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
117**26
