Center for Economic Progress

The Center for Economic Progress (CEP) is a non-profit organization based in Chicago that provides free tax preparation and financial counseling services to low

Center for Economic Progress
Center for Economic Progress
AbbreviationCEP
Merged intoLadder Up
FormationSeptember 1990; 35 years ago (1990-09)
Founded atChicago, Illinois
TypeNonprofit
Tax ID no. 36-3693728
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois
Location
  • United States
ServicesTax and financial services
Revenue$872,000 (2019)
Expenses$1.25 million (2019)
Staff50
Volunteers1000
AwardFinancial Stability Impact Award (2011)
Formerly called
Center for Law & Human Services
[1]
The Center for Economic Progress offers free tax help in Chicago neighborhoods.

The Center for Economic Progress (CEP) is a non-profit organization based in Chicago that provides free tax preparation and financial counseling services to low-income households.[2] Since its founding, $400 million in tax refunds have been granted through CEP programs.[3]

History

The Center for Economic Progress was founded in Chicago in 1990, originally operating as the Center for Law and Human Services.[4] Through the 2000s, the organization participated in the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, providing free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income households in Chicago and surrounding communities.[5]

During the 2010s, the organization operated on a volunteer basis. Volunteers assisted Chicago taxpayers with federal and state tax credits, preparation services, and other related tax services.[6][5]

Merger with Ladder Up

In 2020, the Center for Economic Progress merged with Ladder Up, another Chicago-based tax assistance organization.[7]

Services

As part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, CEP provides free tax preparation at sites in Chicago and surrounding Illinois during tax season to families that earn under $50,000 annually or individuals who earn under $25,000.[8] It also promoted the 2010 US Census at its tax sites in neighborhoods that showed especially low response rates in 2000.

CEP employs approximately 50 staff members and recruits more than one thousand volunteer tax preparers each year.[9]

References

  1. ^ "Center For Economic Progress". Propublica.org. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  2. ^ "Center for Economic Progress: About Us". Center for Economic Progress. Archived from the original on 9 February 2010. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  3. ^ Cepeda, Esther J. (15 February 2010). "Volunteers help make tax time a little less taxing for low-income". 600words.com. Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 4 April 2010. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  4. ^ "Center For Economic Progress". ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  5. ^ a b Cepeda, Esther J. (15 February 2010). "Volunteers help make tax time a little less taxing for low-income". Chicago Sun-Times.
  6. ^ Finkel, Ed (26 March 2010). "Lower-income filers receive free tax prep". New Communities Program. LISC Chicago.
  7. ^ "Ladder Up and Center for Economic Progress Complete Full Legal Merger". Ladder Up. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  8. ^ Finkel, Ed (26 March 2010). "Lower-income filers receive free tax prep". newcommunities.org. LISC/Chicago's New Communities Program. Archived from the original on 19 June 2010. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  9. ^ "Tax and Financial Services Highlights" (PDF). Center for Economic Progress. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
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