Free Tax Help
Updated: February 15, 2007
DANVILLE - "You know the big companies make the big bucks, like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt and all of them," said Lisa Bogard. She was one of the people on hand to take advantage of the free tax assistance Sunday at Danville Area Community College.
For many in Central Illinois, like Bogard, getting help filing their taxes is too costly to even consider.
But the state is stepping in and now families can get the help they need without the price tag.
Lt. Governor Pat Quinn established several sites across the state to offer tax help and promote the earned income tax credit.
The credit provides relief to low income families and individuals.
"W-2 forms are arriving in the mail alongside heating and holiday bills," Quinn said.
"We want to help struggling families cover their mounting winter costs, and the Earned Income Tax Credit is a way to put money back in the pockets of those who need it most.
To qualify for the credit and help, you must earn less than $35,000 per year.
Bogard says she appreciates the help and the best part a speedy refund.
The speed is thanks in part to electronic filing, also free to those who qualify.
"They're going to get their refunds anywhere from 10 to 14 days," said Larry Garner, a tax specialist working at the site, "so they can get their money just as fast as they would get it anywhere else."
Bogard said before electronic filing, she remembers waiting for a month or tow at times to get her refund.
The state will offer several more tax help centers between now and April 17th.
