McHenry County College (MCC) is hosting free tax assistance and e-filing of federal and state returns for qualified individuals now through April 15 with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic.
Thanks to funding awarded through the IRS’s 2026 VITA grant program—part of a federal effort to support free tax-preparation services—MCC’s clinic is able to offer these services at no cost. The VITA program focuses on helping underserved taxpayers, including low-and moderate-income individuals and those with limited English proficiency.
Walk-in hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in Building A at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy 14 in Crystal Lake. The clinic is closed March 25 and 28.
Attendees should use the South Entrance, park in Lower Level Parking Lot B, and enter Building A through door A6 (the entrance closest to Route 14).
The VITA Clinic prepares tax returns for individuals or households with incomes less than $69,000.
All tax forms will be provided. Participants should bring a valid photo ID for the main taxpayers on the tax return; Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letters for all family members reported on the tax return (mandatory); all 2025 earnings statements (W2s and 1099s) and other income/expense documents; a copy of last year’s tax return, if available; and bank account information for direct deposit of refund (taxpayers who fail to include direct deposit information may still receive a paper check, but with delays).
Other documents to bring, if applicable, are: tuition statements and expenses (1098-T), mortgage interest statements (1098), real estate tax bill, self-employed business income and expense, brokerage statements, health insurance marketplace statement (1095-A), and cancellation of debt/bankruptcy information.
Additional services available at the College with appointment include banking and financial counseling and assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
There are also free tax return self-preparation stations located in Building B – Campus Police Area, Co/Lab A (A218) and Co/Lab E (E108). The stations are available anytime MCC is open.
Last year, MCC’s VITA Tax Clinic filed 1,026 tax returns, generating $1,117,361 in federal refund dollars for low-income taxpayers in the community. The clinic’s success was made possible by volunteers who donated 947 hours of service to assist local residents.
Get details on the VITA Tax Clinic here or email vita@mchenry.edu.
