IRS Free File offers guided tax software products through eight private-sector partners for taxpayers with an AGI of $89,000 or less in 2025, and Free File Fillable Forms for those above the income limit, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim valuable tax credits and file their taxes quickly and securely.
Business
Posted inBusiness
ReShawn Howard new Will County Budget and Finance Director
ReShawn Howard has been appointed as Director of the Will County Budget and Finance Department, bringing over 30 years of experience in government finance, corporate, consulting, and accounting to the role.
Posted inBusiness
Business Spotlight: Gigis Sweets on the Go
GiGi’s Sweets, LLC is a Black-owned dessert business in Joliet, Illinois that offers gourmet popcorn, cookies, ice cream, lemonade, and other specialty sweet treats, and is committed to creating welcoming and memorable experiences for the community.
Posted inBusiness
Prepare to file in 2026: Get Ready for tax season with key updates, essential tips
Taxpayers are urged to prepare for the 2026 filing season by accessing their IRS Individual Online Account, using direct deposit, reviewing new tax law changes, opening Trump Accounts for eligible children, reporting income from payment apps and online sales, and reporting digital assets.
Posted inBusiness
Don’t let predatory debt traps rob the holiday season’s joy
App-based loans, such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Earned Wage Access (EWA), can lead to increased financial stress and instability due to their high fees, hidden costs, and potential for loan stacking.
Posted inLifestyle
From Military Service to Economic Empowerment: Shania Chandler’s Inspiring Journey
Shania Chandler, a PMP certified Army Veteran, is the Founder and CEO of the Black Girl Business Academy, an organization dedicated to helping single mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs build credit, secure funding, and launch successful businesses.
Posted inLatest News
Business Spotlight: Madison Elyse Events in Shorewood
Madison Elyse Events is a Shorewood-based event venue founded by Qiana Turner, offering a customizable space for up to 60 guests and event planning services, with upcoming events including a Holiday Pop-Up Shop and Breakfast with Santa.
Posted inBusiness
Minority-owned businesses shut out as loan denials soar
Black-owned businesses faced the highest rejection rate for financing in 2024, with 39% denied loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances, while white-owned businesses only faced an 18% rejection rate.
Posted inBusiness
The Times Weekly Business Spotlight: Recognizing National Black Business Month
Black Business Month is celebrated in August to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Black-owned businesses, which have grown significantly in recent years but still make up a small share of overall firms and revenue.
Posted inBusiness
AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—Yet. But Entry-Level Workers and Middle Managers Should Be Watching Closely
AI is changing the workforce, but mass job losses have yet to occur, with reports showing AI usage increasing and labor productivity gains, while some entry-level roles may be at risk and the shift favors highly-skilled workers and larger firms.
