Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are granting tax relief to several northern Illinois counties affected by tornadoes, heavy rainfall, straight-line winds and flooding earlier this year.
Taxpayers in eligible counties can request a waiver of penalties and interest from the IDOR if they're unable to file tax returns or make payments on time because of the storms.
According to a state-issued news release, the relief applies to 11 Illinois counties affected by severe storms between March 10 and June 21.
Counties included in Gov. Pritzker's June state disaster proclamation are eligible for the relief.
They include Coles, Cook, Effingham, Jefferson, Kankakee, LaSalle, McLean, Stephenson, Warren, Winnebago and Woodford counties.
Any counties added later will also be eligible.
Relief is available for income, withholding, sales, specialty and excise taxes.
To apply for a waiver, individuals or businesses located in one of the eligible counties must send a brief written explanation to the IDOR explaining why they are unable to file or pay on time.
The request should also include the taxpayer's full name, account number, mailing address and an estimate of when the taxes can be filed or paid.
Requests may be submitted by mail using the address listed on the tax return or electronically by emailing REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov.
For requests submitted by mail, taxpayers should write "Severe Storms - Summer 2026" in red ink at the top of the return.
That phrase should also appear in all communications with the IDOR regarding relief requests.
Taxpayers who have already been billed penalties should email REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov and include the tax periods for which they filed late.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
