Village Offers Free Tax Preparation

It’s tax season again, Evergreen Parkers, and there are two places in town where residents can file their taxes free of charge.

In conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the AARP, the village of is offering free income tax preparation. Last year, volunteers prepared taxes for 800 people at no fee.

Tony Gallow, the district coordinator for AARP tax aide manages centers in Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Palos Hills, Stickney Township and Orland Township. He said residents must meet the following criteria:

• At least 50 years of age
• Can’t have rental properties, or a business, but must be able to file simple taxes
• Must be able to file the 1040 Form
• Be classified as low-income

Although the service is usually restricted to those of a certain age who live in the village, director of the department said “we never turn anyone away.” “We don’t really make a distinction here, because there are a lot of people with problems over the last couple of years. Lower income people, seniors we take them,” said Gallow.

Located inside of the Hamilton B. Maher Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., the department will start taking appointments on Jan. 23 and will began tax preparation service on Feb. 6. If you fit the above profile, be sure to bring the following materials with you:

• Identification card (license, state ID, military ID, passport)
• Last year’s return
• Proof of all forms of income

In addition, for the first time Citizens Services is offering a trial program called Beehive for people who want to file their own taxes. Gallo said one computer will be set up where people can do their own taxes online, but they must meet the following criteria:

• Adjusted gross income must be $55,000 or less
• Must have an email account
• Must know how to use a computer

The service is available by appointment only starting Feb. 6  Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m. To make an appointment contact the village of Evergreen Park Citizens Services Department at (708)422-8776

Evergreen Park’s joins 3,000 stores nationwide who are offering free income tax preparation. Jackson Hewitt is offering free tax preparation at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St. for residents filing the basic 1040 EZ form, however they will incur bank processing fees.

Tax preparer Shaquita Austin, who’s worked with the company for two years, said residents and nonresidents may call (773)925-6864 and schedule an appointment between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Austin said those who refer friends will get a $30 referral fee. People who need to file two W2 forms with no dependents will pay $58, while those with three W2 forms will have to pay $88.