Our Services

We offer a variety of direct services to help Illinois' low-income families move from falling behind to getting ahead.

Tax Help

• Provide low-wage workers with free, high quality tax preparation and an alternative to paid tax preparers. We operate volunteer-driven tax sites in more than 30 Illinois communities – making the Center’s free tax prep program one of the largest and oldest statewide program of its kind. Since 1990, we've served more than 270,000 families, returning nearly $400 in tax refunds to clients. 


• Through our tax clinic, provide free, professional legal services to low-wage taxpayers facing an IRS controversy. Since 200, we have resolved nearly 2,000 cases, saving families more than $2 million in taxes.


• Offer tax training for small businesses, such as childcare providers, to establish sound business practices, build their knowledge of record keeping and self-employment tax laws.

• Promote financial education and sound money practices -- helping cut ties to predatory financial services. We have helped nearly 8,000 families open bank accounts and provided financial workshops in Chicago’s underserved communities to reach thousands more.


• Provide one-on-one financial coaching to help clients increase savings, reduce debt and correct credit reports. Learn more.


• Helping families navigate one of the most crucial steps for low-income students on the road to college -- understanding the financial aid application process. Read more.