Chicago, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 11 counties affected by severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, straight-line winds, and flooding between March 10, 2026, and June 21, 2026.
“In the wake of these devastating storms, my administration is ensuring that impacted residents and businesses have the support they need to recover,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By offering temporary tax relief to individuals and businesses in 11 counties, we’re giving impacted communities the time and breathing room necessary to focus on recovery.”
Taxpayers in the counties listed below may request a waiver of penalties and interest if severe weather prevents them from filing tax returns or making payments on time. Relief is available for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes.
Tax relief applies to any area included in Governor JB Pritzker’s state disaster proclamation. Currently, this includes the counties of Coles, Cook, Effingham, Jefferson, Kankakee, LaSalle, McLean, Stephenson, Warren, Winnebago, and Woodford. Individuals and businesses located in any one of these counties qualify for state tax relief. Any counties added later will also be eligible.
Taxpayers seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to IDOR regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.
Requests may be submitted electronically to REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov or by postal mail using the address on the return. When submitting by mail, taxpayers should write “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and attach or include the explanation for requesting abatement of penalties and interest.
If impacted taxpayers have already been billed for penalties, they should email REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov and provide their name, business name, account number(s), and the periods for which they filed late due to the storms to request penalty abatement. Taxpayers should include “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” in any communications with IDOR when requesting relief.
Property owners who experienced damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments if they wish to apply for reassessment due to any property damage.
The Motor Fuel Use Tax (IFTA) is NOT included in this disaster tax relief. For storm relief questions related to IFTA, please email REV.IFTA@illinois.gov.
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