Yes, tax season is here. Or, perhaps, you prefer to think of it as refund season. In either case, here are some basic resources to help you file your income taxes this year.
Federal
Tax forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ remain the staples of individual income tax filing. These forms are still available at many CPL locations, but the IRS no longer distributes the Publications, Instructions, Schedules or Miscellaneous Forms. Online versions of most forms and publications are available at IRS.gov. If you need to order print copies, go to Order Forms & Publications or call the tax product hotline at (800) 829-3676.
You can also check out commercial guides like J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax.
State
Like the IRS, the State of Illinois' Department of Revenue has forms to download and print on its website, tax.illinois.gov. Unlike the IRS, the State offers its own account management program, My Tax Illinois, where taxpayers can file returns, make payments and manage their tax accounts.
Get Help
Free tax assistance for qualified families and individuals is available.
Tax Prep Chicago connects Chicagoans with tax-filing assistance programs throughout the city. Harold Washington Library Center is one of the participating locations.
The Tax Aide Program from the AARP Foundation also offers assistance in many locations in the city, including selected CPL locations: