Press Release - Thursday, January 26, 2006
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Thousands of Struggling Illinois Families are Missing Out on Much-Needed Tax Relief! Last Year Illinois Residents using Free Tax Centers received more than $35 million in Refunds!14 Chicago Sites
CHICAGO - Thursday, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn in partnership with the Center for Economic Progress promoted the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit providing relief to working poor families and individuals. Quinn announced the locations of free tax preparation sites funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Lt. Governor's office.
"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."
The average Illinois family filing for EITC makes less than $14,000 annually and EITC refunds average $1,800. According to the Brookings Institution, more than 840,000 low-income workers claim the EITC in Illinois. And many more are eligible.
Recent statistics show that one of every five Illinois families fails to take advantage of the tax credit. In 2005, 148,000 Illinois households eligible for the program did not apply. To reduce the large number of Illinois citizens missing out on the savings, Quinn continues to initiate efforts to fund free tax preparation services in various locations throughout the state.
Quinn was joined by Department of Revenue Director Brain Hamer and Center for Economic Progress Executive Director David Marzahl, who discussed the success of the EITC.
In February, Quinn's office will provide funding for five one-day tax preparation centers in the historically underserved areas of Carmi, Karnak, Sparta, Macomb and Danville in Downstate Illinois.
"The Earned Income Tax Credit is the best pro-job, pro-family and anti-poverty tax relief ever devised, and it's important that every eligible Illinois wage earner knows about this tax relief," Quinn said. "This credit gives a much-needed tax relief to those who deserve it most, but you must apply for it," Quinn said, adding that many families use the Earned Income Tax Credit to pay utility bills, repair or buy cars, and keep family finances afloat.
There are 30 ongoing free tax preparation sites all over Illinois and eligible taxpayers can visit sites in Alton, Bloomington, Champaign, Aurora, Elgin, Decatur, East St. Louis/Belleville, Marion, Moline, Normal, Peoria, Harvey, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield, Waukegan and 14 sites in Chicago. For more details, visit the Lt. Governor's website at www.LtGovernor.il.gov for a complete list of all locations offering free tax assistance.
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