Officials announce free tax prep for CHA residents

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago city officials have announced free tax assistance for eligible Chicago Housing Authority residents.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CHA officials said in a Sunday statement that individuals who earn up to $20,000 annually or households reporting up to $45,000 are eligible. CHA is working with the group Ladder Up and its Tax Assistance Program.

Officials say TAP will offer free tax return preparation on Saturdays through April 13.

The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit provides low-income families with tax relief.

This year already, nearly 700 CHA residents have applied for the credit with help from CHA's service providers. Emanuel says the tax credit is essential to many Chicagoans.