Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 15 counties affected by widespread damage from torrential downpours, flash flooding, straight-line winds and several tornadoes. Illinois currently leads the nation with approximately 204 tornadoes this year as verified by the National Weather Service.
“Severe weather has caused significant damage and disruption for families, businesses, and communities across Illinois, and many are still recovering,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This temporary tax relief will give Illinoisans affected by these storms the breathing room to focus on rebuilding their lives and getting back on their feet. We will continue to show up for our communities and do everything we can to support our neighbors as they recover from these devastating storms.”
Tax relief applies to areas included in Governor Pritzker’s Disaster Proclamation for Summer 2026 Storms. Currently, this includes the following counties and dates of severe weather: Alexander (July 9-11), Champaign (Aug. 9-11, Aug. 13-16), Cook (July 27, Aug. 9-11), DuPage (July 27, Aug. 9-11), Ford (Aug. 13-16), Fulton (Aug. 13-16), Kane (July 2-4), LaSalle (Aug. 9-11), Lake (July 27), McLean (Aug. 13-16), Marshall (May 16, June 10-11, June 19-June 29), Pulaski (July 9-11), Tazewell (Aug. 13-16), Vermilion (July 27, Aug. 13-16), Will (July 27, Aug. 9-11).
Taxpayers seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to IDOR regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.
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.
If impacted taxpayers have already been billed for penalties, they should email REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov and provide their name, business name, account number(s), and the periods for which they filed late due to the storms to request penalty abatement. Taxpayers should include “Severe Storms - Summer 2026” in any communications with IDOR when requesting relief.
Taxpayers who experienced property damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments if they wish to apply for a reassessment.
The Motor Fuel Use Tax (IFTA) is NOT included in this disaster tax relief. For storm relief questions related to IFTA, please email REV.IFTA@illinois.gov.
