The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced that they will begin accepting 2023 tax returns on January 29, 2024. Illinois residents can file state returns for free online through the MyTax Illinois website. IDOR is expecting more than 6.2 million individual tax returns this year with 90 percent of all tax returns filed electronically last year. According to IDOR, the quickest way to receive a refund is to set up a direct deposit source at the time of your filing. April 15 will be the tax-filing deadline this year.

This year is the first time Illinoisans can receive the Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (EIC), which is designed to help offset up to $500 of the training and equipment costs for volunteer firefighters and EMTs.  Additionally, taxpayers 18 years or older (with or without qualifying child), 65 years or older (without qualifying child) and residents with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number are eligible to claim the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

IDOR officials say they will continue to crack down on tax fraud. In 2022, they were able to prevent $104 million worth of tax fraud through various methods. They advise that vigilance detecting scam calls, emails and protecting your personal information are the best ways to prevent tax fraud. Taxpayers may call 1-800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336 or visit tax.illinois.gov for additional information.