Joliet Township offers free tax assistance for fourth year

Joliet Township — Joliet Township is once again offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA, for qualifying residents.

The program is being offered for the fourth year through a partnership with the Will County Center for Community Concerns.

Through VITA, the township says it will offer free tax preparation services to individuals who meet certain criteria. The program currently is available to individuals with an income of less than $65,000 or senior citizens – regardless of income, according to a news release from the township.

There are no residency requirements on the program, as the township said in the release qualifying individuals from “any town, county, or region” can participate.

“Understanding that tax preparation can be daunting, Joliet Township’s VITA program aims to make it easy and accessible for those in need,” according to the release.

In order to participate in the program individuals must pick up their tax packet at the Joliet Township Government Office, located at 175 W. Jefferson St., in Joliet, then complete an intake form and submit it along with their tax documents.

Once submitted the taxes will be processed by the VITA team and participants will be contacted for a review when they are complete, according to the release. After the review, individuals just need to sign the prepared return for it to be filed electronically.

The township said that individuals who qualify for a refund can expect to receive it through direct deposit in seven to 10 business days after filing.

Services are available for English and Spanish speakers.

More information is available at the township website, https://www.joliettownship.net/services/tax-preparation/, and individuals with questions are encouraged to call the township office or visit the office in person for more information.