Chicago (November 6, 2009) – With Veteran’s Day in mind and tax season approaching, the Illinois CPA Society reminds active duty military members and their families throughout the state about the free tax preparation available to them through the Military Service Tax Preparation Project. The project, done in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, matches families with local CPAs who provide them with free personal federal and state tax income tax preparation. 

The program is available year-round to members of the Armed forces who have recently returned or are still serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area. Using their experience and expertise to help military families take full advantage of the tax benefits, exclusions and filing extension available to them - and make the often stressful task of tax preparation a little easier - volunteer CPAs hope to give back to those who have given so much. Last year, nearly 100 members of the armed forces and their families took advantage of the free assistance.

The Military Service Tax Preparation Project is designed to help those who don’t have a relationship with a CPA and who would otherwise have few resources for financial advice and information on IRS guidelines for military personnel. To qualify for free tax preparation assistance, individuals must meet the following criteria:
• Be an Illinois resident; and
• Be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces having served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area within the 2009 tax calendar year;
• Be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces serving in a contingency operation.

Family members – spouse, son, daughter or parents – can request assistance on behalf of military personnel. For more information about the Military Service Tax Preparation Project or to arrange for assistance from a volunteer CPA, visit the Illinois CPA Society’s website, www.icpas.org or contact Jill Wiles, Community Service Manager, at 312-993-0407, extension 277 or via e-mail at wilesj@icpas.org.


About the Illinois CPA Society
The Illinois CPA Society, founded in 1903, is the fifth 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.