UIS Offers Free Tax Filing Assistance

The University of Illinois Springfield has announced it will provide free tax preparation services this filing season through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering valuable support to eligible lower-income members of the Springfield area community.

Hosted by UIS’s College of Business and Management, the initiative pairs individuals with trained and IRS-certified volunteers who will prepare and file federal and state income tax returns at no charge, easing a common financial burden for those who qualify.

The service is aimed at households generally earning $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, older adults and taxpayers with limited English proficiency, and officials encourage anyone unsure about eligibility to reach out for guidance.

Free tax preparation will be available from February 1 through March 31 at the College of Business and Management in University Hall, Room 4046, and appointments must be scheduled in advance on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing vitataxhub@uis.edu or calling 217-206-6541.

Participants are urged to bring all necessary documentation to their appointment, including W-2 and 1099 forms, Social Security cards or ITINs for all family members, valid photo identification, and a copy of the prior year’s tax return; additional items such as IRS letters, proof of unemployment or child care expenses, health coverage statements, direct deposit information and, for Illinois homeowners, parcel numbers, may also be required.

The VITA program represents a nationwide IRS initiative that supports free tax preparation services through partnerships with colleges, nonprofits and community organizations, with funding awarded to participating groups that serve underserved populations during the tax filing season across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.