Illinois residents and businesses in 11 counties affected by spring and early summer storms can now request waivers of tax penalties and interest if severe weather prevented them from filing or paying on time.
The relief applies to income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes for individuals and businesses in counties included in Governor JB Pritzker’s state disaster proclamation. The storms, which included tornadoes, heavy rainfall, straight-line winds, and flooding, struck between March 10 and June 21.
The affected counties are Coles, Cook, Effingham, Jefferson, Kankakee, LaSalle, McLean, Stephenson, Warren, Winnebago, and Woodford. Any additional counties added to the disaster proclamation will also qualify.
“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,” Pritzker said.
How to request relief
Taxpayers seeking a waiver should send a written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue explaining why they could not file or pay on time. Requests should include the taxpayer’s full name, account number (last four digits of Social Security number if applicable), mailing address, and an estimate of when they expect to file or pay.
Requests can be submitted electronically to REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov or by mail. Those submitting by mail should write “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” in red ink at the top of the return.
Taxpayers who have already been billed for penalties should email REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov with their name, business name, account number(s), and the tax periods affected.
Property owners who sustained damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments to request a property reassessment.
Motor Fuel Use Tax (IFTA) is not included in the relief. Questions about IFTA relief should be directed to REV.IFTA@illinois.gov.