CHICAGO (Chambana Today) – If you missed the April 15 tax deadline, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding you that it’s not too late to file, but that the longer you wait, the more you could end up paying in penalties and interest.
“While the filing deadline has passed, the longer you wait, the more it could potentially cost you due to penalties and interest,” IDOR Director David Harris said in a statement earlier this week. “Whether you owe money or are due a refund, it is important to get your return filed and take that first step.”
The deadline to file and pay individual income taxes for the year of 2024 was April 15, but the IDOR automatically grants a six-month extension to file, moving the new filing deadline to October 15 for those who file on a calendar-year basis. Taxpayers who have a federal extension longer than six months automatically receive the same for their state return.
The IDOR, however, reminds residents that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Anyone who owes taxes was still required to make a payment by April 15 to avoid accumulating penalties and interest. Those needing to make a payment can do so using Form IL-505-I, Automatic Extension Payment for Individuals.
Steps to Avoid Future Penalties
To help taxpayers stay on track in future filing seasons, IDOR offers several tips:
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File electronically to minimize errors and speed up processing. The free MyTax Illinois portal uses a guided Q&A format, pre-filled information, and automatic calculations.
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Choose direct deposit or debit for quicker payments and refunds.
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Set calendar reminders and sign up for email alerts from IDOR by visiting tax.illinois.gov.
Taxpayers looking for more information on filing, payment options, or penalties can visit the department’s website or contact IDOR directly at 1-800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336.