Free tax help available through local agencies

Until April 13, residents can visit sites in DeKalb, Sycamore, Kirkland and Genoa to have certified volunteers prepare their taxes.

“We’re saving this population huge amounts of money,” said Samuel Schmitz, president of Goodwill Northern Illinois. The organization is partnering with DeKalb County Community Services Department, AARP-Tax Aide, Kishwaukee United Way, and Northern Illinois University.

Schmitz said the group completed nearly 1,500 tax forms last year, resulting in $1.6 million in state and federal tax returns as a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Donna Moulton, executive director of the DeKalb County Community Services Department, recounted a story in which a woman paid $400 to have her taxes prepared by a professional and used the VITA program to double-check their work. It was all good, she said.

“We could have helped her with it and she could have saved $400,” Moulton said.

People who are looking to utilize these free services are advised to bring their Social Security card, a photo ID and any applicable tax forms.

Income restrictions apply to Goodwill Northern Illinois’ tax preparation sites. Individuals must have earned less than $25,000, and families less than $50,000, in 2012.

Schmitz added that residents with Internet access at home can file their taxes for free through their website, but it’s restricted to families and individuals with a total income of $57,000. He said it’s very similar to TurboTax and other tax preparation software.

There are no income guidelines for AARP-Tax Aide, although the program’s county coordinator, Dave Leifheit, said it is geared towards seniors and low-to-moderate income level individuals.

The volunteers are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service, said Jackie DiNatale, coordinator of outreach and finance at Kishwaukee United Way. Among the volunteers are 20 students from Northern Illinois University. Brad Cripe, an assistant professor of accountancy at NIU, described it as an exciting learning opportunity for his students.

“Many practicing accountants have their first clients and experience through a VITA site, as I did,” Cripe said. “The experience can be humbling, thrilling and even scary the first time. The service learning experience reinforces the concepts and theories I teach my students in the classroom.”