Arnstein & Lehr honors Center for Economic Progress

June 5, 2007 | Chicago

On Thursday, June 7, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., the law firm of Arnstein & Lehr LLP will hold "Helping People Move Forward"--a reception at its Chicago office honoring the Center for Economic Progress and its extraordinary efforts to provide Illinois taxpayers with quality tax assistance.

Hosted by Partners Robert McKenzie and Theresia Wolf McKenzie, the reception will bring together many of the Center's most generous supporters, in addition to accountants and several Arnstein & Lehr attorneys. Mr. McKenzie has served five years on the Center's board of directors and, with Partner Kathleen Lach, provides them with legal services pro bono.

Exemplary among the Center's efforts include its Midwest Tax Clinic, a resource for low-income Illinois residents that face a controversy with the Internal Revenue Service. With sound guidance from knowledgeable accountants, professionals, law students, and volunteer attorneys--including several with Arnstein & Lehr--the Tax Clinic helps individuals and families work to resolve their tax problems with confidence.

Equally honorable is the Center's Tax Counseling Project, which since its founding in 1994 has grown into the nation's largest free statewide tax preparation service for working families and individuals. Each year, trained volunteers visit Illinois libraries, banks, churches, community colleges, and other locations to provide free tax preparation assistance for low-income families.

In 2006, the Tax Counseling Project celebrated its most successful tax season to date. With the support of more than 1,100 volunteers, the Program helped more than 27,000 families and individuals file their tax returns and claim valuable tax credits. The Centers expects to serve more than 30,000 Illinois residents this year.

The Center for Economic Progress increases economic opportunities for low-income families, children, and individuals by improving access to public, private, and nonprofit programs and services. Arnstein & Lehr is proud to honor and offer its continued support of the Center's worthy initiatives.