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Resources for Tax Season 

The filing deadline to submit 2024 tax returns and pay tax owed or to request an extension is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Federal tax forms can be found online at irs.gov. To get federal tax forms sent to you, call 1-800-TAX-FORM. Illinois tax forms are available at tax.illinois.gov  The library also has many commonly used…

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AtoZ databases.

New Web Resource: AtoZdatabases

AtoZdatabases is a leading resource for Reference, Research, Marketing, Mailing Lists/Sales Leads, and Job-Search Database solutions. This comprehensive database features 65 million business and executive profiles, over 240 million resident profiles encompassing interests, hobbies, and lifestyle information, more than 7 million real-time job listings, 2 million newly established businesses, over 12 million healthcare professionals, over…

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DIY Research: Financial Information

April is Financial Literacy Month and a great time to get your financial affairs in order. Clear, accurate information is of utmost importance when making financial decisions such as working to improve your credit score, taking out a loan, investing your savings, planning for college or selecting a bank to open a checking account. Be…

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Get connected with a federal discount on internet service at home. To find out if you qualify, go to getemergencybroadband.org or call 833-511-0311

Federal discount available to assist with internet bill

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides eligible households discounts of up to $50 a month on their internet bill.  Who qualifies? Any household with a member that:  *Has income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or participates in other government assistance programs;  *Receives free or reduced school…

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DMV scam example: "Office of the Illinois Secretary of State: IL-DMV Contact information seems to be missing or incorrect. Please update now, Visit at [bitly link].

Illinois agencies warn of phishing scams

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the Illinois Secretary of State DMV are aware of text and email messages being sent fraudulently on their behalf, asking for personal information.   While the messages might look official, a government agency will never request personal information, such as Social…

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Medicare Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for Medicare runs October 15 and runs through December 7. Changes in premiums, co-pays, deductibles and drugs covered for all drug plans may change from year to year.  Assistance with the enrollment process is available through the Village. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteers and staff use a tool from the Medicare website to…

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Consumer Reports

Want to Get the Most Out of Consumer Reports?

There is a difference between Consumer Reports online and the print version.  Online:  It is easier to find updated information on what you are searching for   There is information you can get online that can’t be accessed in the print version.  For example, let’s say you are looking at dishwashers. Online, the buyer’s guide is more detailed,…

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Insurance Calculators

ValChoice, an independent data analytics company focused on the U.S. insurance industry, is offering our patrons unlimited access to online calculators, insurance company ratings, tutorials and “how-to” videos, worksheets, and other tools designed to help users understand how insurance—such as car and home insurance—is priced, and how to decide on policies based on their age,…

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The New Medicare ID Cards

In the last few months, new Medicare ID cards have been sent to recipients across the United States.  As several policies change and the amount of scams targeting Medicare users increase significantly, staying informed is paramount to maintaining good health and safe accounts.  Take a look at these AARP articles detailing information about the new…

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Orange VW Beetle in front of a building.

Leasing vs. Buying a New Car

Will you be needing a new car in the near future? Have you wondered what the advantages are to leasing a new car? Consumer Reports just published an article comparing and contrasting both approaches as well as a specific example that compares the financing details between buying and leasing a 2017 Honda Accord. There are pros…

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