General Assistance – Joliet Township

Get Your Taxes Prepared for Free with Joliet Township’s VITA Program

Joliet, IL – January 9, 2025 – Tax season is upon us, and Joliet Township Government is excited to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the fourth consecutive season. In partnership with Will County Center for Community Concerns, qualifying individuals can get their taxes prepared for free.

Understanding that tax preparation can be daunting, Joliet Township’s VITA program aims to make it easy and accessible for those in need. To qualify for this invaluable service, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Income Limit: The program is available to individuals with a total income of less than $65,000.

Residency: There are no residency restrictions. Individuals from any town, county, or region are welcome to participate.

Seniors: The program is free for all seniors, regardless of income level.

Here’s how individuals can take advantage of this opportunity in just four simple steps:

Pick up Their Tax Packet: Individuals can visit the Joliet Township Government Office located at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, to collect their tax packet.

Complete the Intake Form: They can fill out the intake form and submit it along with their tax documents in the provided packet. The completed packet should be returned to the designated location.

Sit Back While Their Taxes Are Prepared: The team will meticulously review their documents and prepare their taxes. Once done, individuals will be contacted for a review.

Review and Sign Electronically: Upon completion, individuals will electronically review and sign their prepared documents. If eligible, they can expect their refund via direct deposit within 7-10 business days.

For assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact:

Patricia Venziano
Phone: 815-726-4781 ext. 301

Alejandra Zamudio (Spanish assistance)
Phone: 815-726-4781 ext. 304

The VITA program is designed with convenience in mind. Taxpayers are encouraged not to let tax season stress them out. Let Joliet Township Government take care of tax preparation needs for free. Interested individuals can call 815-726-4781 or visit https://www.joliettownship.net/services/tax-preparation/ and take the first step toward securing their financial future with confidence.

Alicia Morales Appointed as First Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government

Alicia Morales, Joliet Township Government Supervisor, holding flowers, standing between the American flag and the Joliet Township flag

Joliet, IL – July 16, 2024 – The Joliet Township Board of Trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Alicia Morales as the first Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government, effective July 16, 2024. Alicia Morales brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to her new role, marking a historic milestone in our community’s governance.

Morales is a lifelong resident of Joliet and Will County, deeply rooted in our community’s fabric. She holds a degree from Joliet Junior College and an MBA from the University of St. Francis. Morales’s commitment to education and community service is evident through her career as a licensed bilingual teacher and her current role as Vice Chairwoman of the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees.

In addition to her contributions in education, Alicia Morales is an accomplished entrepreneur, having founded her own Allstate Insurance agency in 2020, where she assists clients in protecting their investments.

Alicia Morales had been serving as Joliet Township Government Clerk since 2021. During her tenure as Clerk of Joliet Township, Joliet Township Government has expanded through numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced our community. Key accomplishments include:

Expansion of programs and services

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives

CVI Council

CVI Services: Victim Advocacy, Case Management & Outreach

CVI Behavioral Health and wrap-around services

Transportation Department that offers rides to senior residents, residents with disabilities, and for partner agency clients.

VITA tax preparation helping low-income residents and senior residents with free income tax preparation services.

Summer internship program since 2022

Availability of free notary services more than doubled

Ensured Senior Tax Levy funds distributed to diverse senior clubs

Acquisition of Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center (formerly Peter Claver Center) in 2022

Acquisition of Forest Park Community Center in 2024

These were accomplished through additional funding awarded through state and federal grants over the last two years totaling $3,783,190, not through increasing taxes on local taxpayers.

Morales said, “I am excited to continue the work that this administration has started. The foundation of all our programs has been established. I’m ready to see them through with our team to fruition in serving our Township residents.”

With Alicia Morales transitioning to the role of Supervisor, the position of Joliet Township Clerk is now vacant. We invite all interested and qualified individuals to apply for this important role. Application details and forms can be found on our website https://www.joliettownship.net/public-info/board-vacancy/. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 2, 2024.

Free Tax Preparation with Joliet Township Government’s VITA Program for Qualifying Individuals

Tax season is upon us, and Joliet Township Government is excited to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the third consecutive season, in partnership with the Will County Center for Community Concerns. Qualifying individuals can get their taxes prepared for free. Understanding that tax preparation can be daunting, Joliet Township’s VITA program aims to make it easy and accessible for those in need. To qualify for this invaluable service, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Income Limit: The program is available to individuals with a total income of less than $60,000.
Residency: There are no residency restrictions. Individuals from any town, county, or region are welcome to participate.
Seniors: The program is free for all seniors, regardless of income level.

Here’s how individuals can take advantage of this opportunity in just four simple steps:

Pick up Their Tax Packet: Individuals can visit the Joliet Township Government Office located at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, to collect their tax packet.
Complete the Intake Form: They can fill out the intake form and submit it along with their tax documents in the provided packet. The completed packet should be returned to the designated location.
Sit Back While Their Taxes Are Prepared: The team will meticulously review their documents and prepare their taxes. Once done, individuals will be contacted for a review.
Review and Sign Electronically: Upon completion, individuals will review and sign their prepared returns, at which time they will be filed electronically. If eligible, they can expect their refund via direct deposit within 7-10 business days.

For assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact Patricia Venziano at 815-726-4781 ext. 301 for English assistance and Alejandra Zamudio at 815-726-4781 ext. 304 for Spanish assistance. Interested individuals may also walk into the Joliet Township Government Office at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or visit Joliet Township’s website to learn more.