Illinois waives tax penalties for 11 counties hit by storms, including Stephenson and Winnebago

(WIFR/WREX) – Illinois leaders announce disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 11 counties affected by severe thunderstorms earlier this year.

The relief waives penalties and interest for taxpayers who cannot file returns or make payments on time because of the severe weather. It covers income, withholding, sales, specialty and excise taxes.

The tax relief applies to any area included in Gov. JB Pritzker’s state disaster proclamation.

Locally, this includes Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. Other counties across the state included in the proclamation are:

• Coles
• Cook
• Effingham
• Jefferson
• Kankakee
• LaSalle
• McLean
• Warren
• Woodford

The proclamation covers severe weather in these counties between March 10 and June 21.

“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. “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.”

Individuals and businesses located in those counties qualify for state tax relief. Any counties added later will also be eligible, according to the governor’s office.

Taxpayers seeking a waiver of penalties and interest should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number, mailing address and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes. If using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits.

Requests may be submitted electronically to REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov or by postal mail using the address on the return. When submitting by mail, taxpayers should write “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and attach or include the explanation for requesting abatement of penalties and interest.

Taxpayers who have already been billed for penalties should email REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov and provide their name, business name, account numbers and the periods for which they filed late due to the storms to request penalty abatement. Taxpayers should also include “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” in any communications with the department when requesting relief.

Property owners who experienced damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments if they wish to apply for reassessment due to any property damage. The Motor Fuel Use Tax is not included in this disaster tax relief.