Center for Economic Progress
The Center for Economic Progress (CEP) helps low-income, working families as a trusted provider of tax and financial services. Everything we do, from direct service to informing public policy, improves the financial stability of those we serve.
CEP provides low-wage workers with free, high quality tax preparation and an alternative to paid tax preparers. We serve families who make less than $50,000 and individuals who make less than $25,000. Based on these income guidelines, we can help one in three Illinois residents.
Through our tax clinic, we provide free, professional representation to low-wage taxpayers facing an IRS controversy. We also offer tax training for small businesses to establish sound business practices, build their knowledge of record keeping and self-employment tax laws.
Through our Financial Capability department, we help promote financial education and sound money practices -- helping cut ties to predatory financial services. We provide year-round workshops and one-on-one financial coaching to help clients set financial goals; create a spending plan; access safe and affordable bank products like bank accounts and small dollar loans; and review and correct credit reports and improve credit scores.