CEP Offers Free Tax Preparation
The Center for Economic progress helps hard-working, low-income families move from financial uncertainty to financial security. Since 1994, the Center has provided free tax preparation and financial services to over 240,000 families at locations throughout Illinois’ low-income neighborhoods, helping them claim over $330 million in poverty-fighting tax credits.

With the longstanding support of the Steans Family Foundation, the Center provides free tax preparation to 800 community members at North Lawndale’s Homan Square Community Center each tax season. These families who struggle to make ends meet—usually on less than $15,000 per year—receive $2,000 on average in refunds and tax credits through the Center’s services. This money goes a long way towards helping families pay for basic necessities and save for the future, while boosting the struggling local economy. This year the Center expects to generate more than $1.6 million for over 800 of North Lawndale’s low-income residents.

The Center’s free tax preparation services are available to individuals with incomes below $25,000 and families with incomes below $50,000. The Center’s North Lawndale location at 3555 W. Ogden Avenue is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm, January 28th through April 15th. All sites are first come, first served. For more information and tax site locations in Illinois, call 1-888-827-8511 or TTY (312) 701-1326, or visit our website at www.economicprogress.org.

In addition to tax preparation, the Center provides clients with the tools and knowledge they need to join the financial mainstream and make lasting progress. At the Center’s tax site this year, all clients have the opportunity to invest in savings bonds, open a prepaid debit card, open a checking or savings account with a local financial institution, and receive referrals to financial coaching programs.