Best Tax Problem Certified Public Accountants in Illinois

Illinois has unique tax codes, operational processes, and resolution options. If you're dealing with a state tax problem, a local CPA has the knowledge and experience required to solve that problem. 

Additionally, local CPAs are focused on providing their clients with the highest level of personalized services. In contrast, the big tax relief firms tend to lack experience with the tax laws in Illinois, and they are notorious for using aggressive sales tactics to push clients into programs that aren't necessarily the best option for their situations.

In addition to looking at CPAs, you may also want to consider hiring a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. All three of these tax pros can represent you in front of the IRS or your state revenue agency, but CPAs tend to be the best option if you have a lot of complicated accounting or want help with tax planning. Regardless of the type of tax pro you hire, it's critical to find someone who has experience with your particular problem.

If you want in-person assistance, the IRS has the following locations in Illinois. Call (844) 545-5640 to ask about hours or to make an appointment:

Bloomington

301 South Prospect Road

Bloomington, IL 61704

Champaign

310 W. Church St.

Champaign, IL 61820

Chicago

230 S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL 60604

Decatur

306 W. Eldorado

Decatur, IL 62522

Downers Grove

2001 Butterfield Rd.

Downers Grove, IL 60515

Fairview Heights

380 Fountain Office Ct.

Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Galesburg

2066 Windish Dr.

Galesburg, IL 61401

Orland Park

14479 John Humphrey Drive

Orland Park, IL 60462

Peoria

2415 West Cornerstone Ct.

Peoria, IL 61614

Quincy

3701 East Lake Centre Dr.

Quincy, IL 62305

Rockford

4920 E State Street

Rockford, IL 61108

Schiller Park

5100 River Road

Schiller Park, IL 60176

Springfield

3101 Constitution Dr.

Springfield, IL 62704

At all of the above IRS locations, you can ask questions about your account and get basic help with tax law issues. You can also make payments with checks or money orders, and some locations accept cash if you have the exact change. Additionally, you can pick up tax forms, apply for payment plans on back taxes, and file Form 911 to request assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. 

LITCs offer tax help to people who meet income guidelines or other eligibility requirements. Typically, to get help, your income must be at or below 250% of the poverty line, and you must be dealing with an issue related to $50,000 or less in tax. Here are the LITCs in Illinois with their phone numbers:

Center of Concern LITC

City: Des Plaines

Phone: 847-823-0453

Ladder Up Tax Clinic

City: Chicago

Phone: 312-630-0242

Legal Aid Chicago LITC

City: Chicago

Phone: 312-341-1070

Loyola Federal Income Tax Clinic

City: Chicago

Phone: 312-915-7176

Prairie State Legal Services LITC

City: Rockford

Phone: 855-829-7757 , 630-690-2130

Enrolled agents and CPAs can both represent you in front of the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue, but they have slightly different training and qualifications. To help you find the right choice for your needs, this guide looks at the similarities and differences between these two tax professionals.

If you have tax problems, you need tax resolution services. Tax resolution services can help taxpayers with unfiled tax returns and unpaid taxes, but these services also include audit representation, tax appeals, and help with collection actions. If you're dealing with a tax problem on the state or federal level, check out this guide to learn more about the services you need.

Unfortunately, there are several big companies in the tax relief industry that put profits in front of consumers. This guide explains the red flags to be aware of when you're contacting tax relief companies for free consultations. Bottom line—be wary of big promises from salespeople who aren't licensed tax pros.

The Illinois Department of Revenue can take severe action against you if you don't pay your individual or business taxes. However, the state also has options to help you get out of tax debt. This article explains what can happen if you don't pay your state taxes, and then, it outlines options for dealing with Illinois tax problems.