Prairie State Wire

Taxpayers in Illinois will have an opportunity to pay past-due state taxes without penalties or interest during a new amnesty period announced by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program, which runs from October 1 through November 17, is intended for both individuals and businesses with outstanding state tax liabilities.

The program is authorized under the Illinois Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act. It allows taxpayers to settle eligible debts for tax periods ending after June 30, 2018, and before July 1, 2024. All payments must be made in full within the designated window to qualify for forgiveness of penalties and interest.

"This initiative demonstrates Governor Pritzker’s ongoing commitment to supporting taxpayers, particularly those facing financial hardships or economic uncertainties," said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris. "We encourage both individuals and business owners to use the amnesty period to resolve outstanding tax liabilities and achieve greater financial stability."

Illinois has previously offered similar amnesty programs in years such as 2003, 2010, and most recently in 2019. The most recent program recovered nearly $360 million for state and local governments.

To participate in the program, taxpayers who did not file returns or reported incorrect amounts may submit original or amended returns covering eligible periods. Payments can be made online at mytax.illinois.gov using a checking or savings account, by mail, or in person at IDOR offices.

“We encourage taxpayers to make separate payments for each tax liability being paid, but if they choose to make one combined payment, they must clearly identify each tax liability being paid by tax type, tax period, and amount, so their payments can be applied correctly,” Harris explained.

Additional information about the program is available on the department's website at https://tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty. Assistance is also available through IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 1-800-732-8866 or via email. Translation services are offered over the phone during regular business hours.