TAX SERVICES
The 2025 Tax Season Is Underway!

Ladder Up® has TWO ways to file your tax returns for FREE!

Help from qualified tax professionals is available in person at our VITA sites and through eTAP, our online tax prep service.

By using the free tax preparation services offered by Ladder Up, clients can keep more of their hard-earned money.  Since 1994, Ladder Up has prepared over 616,000 returns and secured more than $1.2 billion in tax refunds to clients.

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Tax Assistance Program (TAP) In-Person Tax Prep

IN-PERSON assistance for filing taxes at various sites in the Chicago area. Work with a qualified tax preparer to complete your tax return, ensuring that you receive every tax credit and refund you are due. This service is completely FREE.

For off-season sessions (June – September), check the locations page for operating days and hours.

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Express Tax Assistance Program (eTAP) Online Tax Prep

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON, CHECK BACK IN JANUARY

Stay home, stay warm! FREE tax prep services ONLINE. You scan and submit your tax documents, and provide needed personal info, and a qualified tax professional completes your tax return for your review. You sign the return electronically, and we’ll submit your return to the IRS and state. This process can be completed in as little as one business day.

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Testimonials

Juan is a 58-year-old married father of three who works in a warehouse. “I used to prepare my own taxes, but when I got married and bought a house I didn’t know how to do it, so I had to pay someone $100 to file my taxes.” For Juan, his tax refund, which was over $3,000, represents the largest paycheck he will receive all year and, like many other Ladder Up clients, this year he used his refund to pay off bills. “I’m glad they do so many checks to make sure that everything is ok.”

When Latoya, a 38-year-old home aid worker and mother of three found out that the paid preparer she was using was fraudulent, she turned to Ladder Up to have her tax return prepared honestly and accurately. “I like [Ladder Up’s] sites because they are professional, and I know they can help with questions, which is why I’ve been coming for a couple of years now. This year, she will use her refund of over $2,800 to pay off some bills.

“I enjoy working with the clients and the other volunteers. It is very satisfying to see the immediate impact our work has on the lives of our clients. Being able to tell a client the amount of their refund, or helping them to resolve tax situations is a great feeling. We have many repeat clients that we develop relationships with and I have been part of a wonderful volunteer team for quite a few years. I also enjoy using my accounting skills, and I’m detail oriented so I enjoy being a checker.”
– Martha, Ladder Up volunteer