Center for Economic Progress

Filing Period

Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011

Signed

Jun 5, 2012

Return Version

2011v1.2

Gross Receipts

$4,822,562

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

CEP provides hard-working, low-income families with high quality tax preparation-giving workers an alternative to expensive, paid tax preparers. CEP operates one of the oldest statewide programs of its kind, relying on trained volunteers and donated facilities and equipment. In 2011, with the help of a 1,100-member volunteer corps, CEP completed 28,134 tax returns, returning more than $50 million in refunds to clients and their communities and saving families over $5 million in fees. CEP also provides free, professional legal services to low-income taxpayers facing an IRS controversy through our year-round Tax Clinic. In 2011, with the assistance of over 50 active pro bono attorneys, CEP represented over 137 clients, saving them more than $650,000 in federal taxes and penalties.

Activity 3

CEP offers low-income workers financial coaching and workshops. In 2011, CEP provided year-round financial counseling in Chicago's Quad Communities to address the ongoing financial needs of the neighborhood's residents. Through financial partnerships at tax sites, CEP connected 1,269 individuals with financial products that helped them make the most of their tax refunds. In 2011, CEP continued the third year of its college-access initiative Financial Aid U, helping 610 college-bound students apply for federal student aid. CEP also initiated Money Smart Scholars, a companion effort to Financial Aid U. In its first year, this intensive, 15-month coaching program will help 20 students navigate the path to college enrollment and beyond.

Filer

EIN

36-3693728