Chicago City Wire

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has announced the launch of the 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program, offering individuals and businesses a limited-time chance to pay overdue state taxes without penalties or interest.

The program is authorized by the Illinois Delinquent Tax Amnesty Act. It allows taxpayers to settle eligible outstanding tax liabilities for periods ending after June 30, 2018, and before July 1, 2024. To qualify for penalty and interest forgiveness, full payment must be made between October 1 and November 17, 2025.

“This initiative demonstrates Governor Pritzker’s ongoing commitment to supporting taxpayers, especially those facing financial hardship or economic uncertainty,” said David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. “We encourage both individuals and business owners to take advantage of the amnesty period to resolve their outstanding tax debts and achieve greater financial stability.”

Illinois has offered similar tax amnesty programs in previous years, including in 2003, 2010, and most recently in 2019 after approval from the state legislature. In the 2019 program, nearly $360 million was recovered for state and local funds.

Taxpayers who did not file a return or underreported their tax liability during eligible periods can submit original returns or amended filings as necessary. All qualifying overdue taxes must be paid in full within the amnesty window to receive relief from penalties and interest.

Payments can be made online at mytax.illinois.gov using checking or savings accounts, by mail, or in person at IDOR offices.

“We encourage taxpayers to make separate payments for each tax liability they are paying; but if they choose to make a combined payment, they should clearly identify each tax obligation by type of tax, tax period, and amount so that their payments can be applied correctly,” explained Harris.

For more information about the Illinois Tax Amnesty Program for 2025, taxpayers can visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty or contact IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 1-800-732-8866 or via email. Telephone translation services are available. TTY users may call 1-800-544-5304. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.