The earned income tax credit is a very helpful program for people who earn less than $30,000 per year or $55,000 for couples. It provides you with some more money at tax time.
Central Illinois is fortunate to have the University of Illinois extension service helping prepare earned income tax eligible returns for free. Note that different communities set different income levels when determining whether they will prepare the returns for free.
Check out their website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/news/news5157.html
or call your library in Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, or Springfield. The libraries host some of the tax preparers or will know where to direct you if they do not host them.
Remember this is a great way to get some extra money at tax time if you qualify.