Illinois offers tax relief to storm victims in 11 counties

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CHICAGO (KBSI) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in 11 counties affected by severe weather between March 10 and June 21.

The relief applies to taxpayers impacted by severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, straight-line winds and flooding in counties covered by the governor’s disaster proclamations. Eligible counties include Coles, Cook, Effingham, Jefferson, Kankakee, LaSalle, McLean, Stephenson, Warren, Winnebago and Woodford.

Taxpayers in those counties may request a waiver of penalties and interest if the storms prevented them from filing tax returns or making tax payments on time. The relief applies to income, withholding, sales, specialty and excise taxes.

“In the wake of these devastating storms, my administration is ensuring that impacted residents and businesses have the support they need to recover,” Pritzker said in a statement. “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.”

To request relief, taxpayers must provide the Illinois Department of Revenue with a written explanation describing how the severe weather affected their ability to file or pay on time. Requests may be submitted by email or mail.

Taxpayers who have already been assessed penalties may also request an abatement by contacting the department and referencing “Severe Storms – Summer 2026.”

Property owners whose homes or businesses were damaged are encouraged to contact their county supervisor of assessments to inquire about property reassessments.

The relief does not apply to the International Fuel Tax Agreement, or IFTA.