# Filing Assistance and Workshops

**Source**: https://bursar.uchicago.edu/taxes/filing-assistance
**Parent**: https://bursar.uchicago.edu/tuition-and-fees/tuition-and-fees-2025-26/tuition-and-fees-2025-26-college

There are several options you may choose from in acquiring paid tax filing services.
Disclaimer: The listing below does not recommend utilizing and is only meant to inform. The final choice is up to the tax preparer in utilizing.

## University Workshops

- Tax information session for [Graduate Students](https://grad.uchicago.edu/life-at-uchicago/gradhelp/tax-information-for-students/?tab-section=taxinformationsessions)
- Tax information session for [International Students](https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/resources/taxes-ssn-and-itin/tax-responsibilities)
- Tax information session for [Domestic College Students](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yec4_uHZowI)

## Free Resources

- [IRS Free File/Tax Assistance Software](http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free)
- [IRS](http://www.irs.gov) Local Office 230 S. Dearborn St. Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm 312.566.4912
- [Illinois State Revenue Office](http://www.revenue.state.il.us) 100 W. Randolph (Thompson Ctr) Hours: 8:30 am-5:00pm 1.800.732.8866
- VITA Volunteers: Individuals who are certified to assist individuals in filing tax returns (free service for those generally with an AGI of $60K or less). [Get free tax prep help](https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/), or call 1.800.906.988

## Paid Resources

There are several options you may choose from in acquiring paid tax filing services. Disclaimer: The listing below does not recommend utilizing and is only meant to inform. The final choice is up to the tax preparer in utilizing.

### Certified public accountants

Not all CPAs specialize in doing individual income tax returns. To find a CPA, go to either [American Institute of Certified Public Accountants](http://www.aicpa.org) or [Illinois CPA Society](http://www.icpas.org).

### Enrolled agents

Focus solely on taxes. Trained or worked directly for the IRS. Enrolled agents might work for themselves or in a CPA firm. To locate one, go [National Association of Enrolled Agents](http://www.naea.org).

### National tax-prep chains

(H&R Block, Jackson-Hewitt) work best for simple, straightforward returns.

### Purchased Online Software

[TurboTax Free and Low-Cost Purchase Editions](https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/)

If you choose to use a professional tax preparer, make sure they

- Have filed student tax returns in the past
- Have passed state or federal certifying exams
- Give you an estimated price for services up front, including all fees
- Will stand by their work and provide audit assistance or advice if necessary
- Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund