Free tax prep available for military, their families

Chicago, IL – Under normal circumstances, many people put off the time-consuming task of filing their tax returns. But for military personnel and their families that are already facing unique challenges, tax season only adds to the stress of trying to maintain a sense of normal life.

The Illinois CPA Society reminds military personnel and their families that help is still available through the year-round Military Service Tax Preparation Project, offered in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. The project matches families with CPA volunteers throughout the state who can prepare their state or federal returns at no cost and guide them through tax benefits, exclusions and extensions that are unique to members of the armed forces.

This free tax preparation service is available to Illinois residents who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces having served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area or contingency operation within the 2010 tax calendar year.

A spouse or family member - son, daughter or parents - can request assistance for military personnel still overseas. More information can be found in the Consumer Section of the Illinois CPA Society's website, www.icpas.org. To ask questions or request assistance, contact Jill Wiles Wolf, Community Service Manager at 800-993-0407, extension 277 or via e-mail at wilesj@icpas.org.

About the Illinois CPA Society

The Illinois CPA Society, founded in 1903, is the fourth largest state CPA society in the nation, with more than 24,000 members. It is the premier professional organization that represents CPAs in Illinois. During its over 100 years of existence, the Society has advanced the highest ethical and financial standards of the profession, and has been a leader in educating the public on financial issues.