Illinois tax filing season begins Monday

CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting tax returns beginning Monday. That date is January 24, the same day that the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting returns.

“We encourage taxpayers to file their taxes electronically and choose direct deposit, as early as possible in the tax season,” says IDOR Director David Harris. “[This is] to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds.”

“Taxpayers may file their electronic returns for free with MyTax Illinois, our free online account management program,” Harris adds. “Electronic filing is also available through third-party software or with most tax preparers.”

Error-free returns should result in a direct-deposited refund in roughly four weeks. 88 percent of 5.6 million tax returns were e-filed in 2021.

The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 18. However, victims of severe storms and tornadoes from December 10, 2021 will have until May 16 to file their returns.

IDOR will be working to safeguard and protect taxpayers from identity. As a result, they will continue coordination efforts with the IRS and other states to improve protections. Taxpayers should do their part by protecting their personal information. This includes staying alert to phone scams and phishing emails.

“We remain highly committed to protecting taxpayers’ information and by verifying information on tax returns before issuing refunds,” Harris said. “IDOR prevented over $56 million in fraudulent or erroneous refunds from being issued in the last year alone.”

Other tax services available through MyTax Illinois

In addition to filing free through MyTax Illinois, individuals may also utilize other services. This includes making payments, responding to department inquiries, and checking their refund status. Taxpayers can check their refund status using the Where’s My Refund? link.

Additionally, taxpayers may also look up IL-PINs, estimated tax payments made, and amounts reported on Form 1099-G.

For the latest information for the 2022 tax season, please visit IDOR’s website.