2025 Tax Pro Assistance Program Application

Thank you for taking a moment to apply to the Southland Development Authority's (SDA) 2025 Tax Pro Assistance Program.  This initiative aims to provide professional tax preparation services to small business in Cook County, IL at a reduced cost.  If an application is approved, the applicant will be notified of next steps in the process.  Eligibility requirements and more information are listed below.

Up to 35 applicants will be selected to have either their business financial statements & business tax return prepared for the most recent fiscal year for only $500 or have their most recent business tax return prepared for only $350.

Eligibility:

  • Must be a for profit business located in Cook County, IL
  • Have less than $500,000 in gross revenue in the most recent fiscal year
  • Have an active Employer Identification Number
  • Attend orientation webinar to learn about the process and documents required to successfully prepare financial statements and tax return.

This effort requires significant investment on the part of the Southland Development Authority and investment of time and effort on both the part of the expert consultant and the business owner.  

Therefore, to ensure that those businesses in industries hardest hit by Covid-19 have an opportunity to access this initiative, prioritization will be given to businesses located in the South Suburbs and to applications providing detailed, complete information and to the following industries: 

  • Accommodation, Hospitality, & Food
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Childcare & Social Assistance
  • Retail Trade
  • Transportation & Warehousing
Please note, an application does not guarantee the assignment of an expert consultant and the Southland Development Authority reserves the right to select businesses at its discretion to participate in this initiative.

If your application is selected for additional review, you will be contacted directly for next steps.  Thank you for your interest in this initiative and we look forward to reviewing your application!  

This initiative is subject to change and contingent upon the availability of funding.
Sign in to Google to save your progress. Learn more
Name of Business  *
Owner First Name  *
Owner Last Name  *
Phone Number  *
Email *
Business Address Line 1 *
Business Address Line 2
City *
State  *
Zip Code  *
Have you filed both 2022 and 2023 business tax returns? *
Years in operation: *
Required
Please select all that apply: *
Required
What is the average monthly transaction volume for your business? This encompasses sales, purchases, deposits, withdrawals, payroll expenses, etc. *
How would you describe your revenue trends since 2020? *
Please select your industry below: *
*
Do you have a business plan?  *

Do you have an active business in Cook County?

*

Has your business been negatively impacted by COVID-19?

 *

Have you or your business engaged in illegal activity?

 *

Do you have an active Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

 *

Do you have financial statements (profit/loss and/or balance sheet)?

 *

Do you use Quickbooks or any other accounting software?

 *

Are you currently being audited by the IRS?

 *

Are you up to date with your income and payroll liabilities?

 *

 Is your most recent fiscal year's revenue at or below $500,000?

 *

How many hours per week are you prepared to engage with an expert consultant?

 *

How much are you willing to invest in expert consulting annually?

 *

How much are you willing to invest in training and workshops annually?

 *

Have you obtained any certifications?  If so please list the type of certification, e.g., MBE, WBE, VBE, 8a…


If not applicable please write Not Applicable N/A

 *

In the past year, have you worked with a Southland Development Authority Business Growth Services (BGS) Relationship Manager?

*

How did you hear about this initiative?

 *

Are you willing to participate in providing a testimonial highlighting your experience involving this initiative?

(Requires signing a media release form)

 *

Attestation Statement: 

Do you hereby attest that the information and answers provided in response to the questions stated are true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief?

Disclaimer: We will prepare the returns from information which you will furnish to us. It is your responsibility to provide all the information required for the preparation of complete and accurate returns. The information you provide will not be audited or verified for accuracy. We are not responsible for an audit resulting from inaccurate/false information provided to us by you.

 *

In 300 words or less, please describe your business needs in detail and how this initiative will help meet your business goals or address your challenges. Please feel free to detail any major accomplishments or hardships and how this initiative will help you achieve business growth.

 *
Submit
Clear form
Never submit passwords through Google Forms.
This form was created inside of Southland Development Authority.

Does this form look suspicious? Report

Google Forms