By Illinois News Connection
Chicago, IL – Close to five thousand dollars is available as a tax refund to many working Illinois families under the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
A report released today from the Children's Defense Fund shows families eligible for the credit are prime targets for refund anticipation gadgets such as loans, checks and services that took a more than $118 million bite out of the refunds for Illinois families, according to the latest numbers.
Children's Defense Fund press secretary Ed Shelleby says selling services to EITC families is a profitable business - but one he says steals money from families who need every dollar, especially this year.
Shelleby says the IRS provides true free filing through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. For a location near you, call 1-800-829-1040.
The Children's Defense Fund is also calling for federal laws to protect families from predatory services and an expansion of free tax preparation offerings.
