Can I File My Illinois State Taxes for Free?

Filing state taxes in Illinois doesn’t have to come with extra costs. Depending on your income, residency status, and filing method, you may be eligible to submit your return for free through official state resources or third-party services.

Income Thresholds and Residency

Illinois tax filing requirements vary based on income and residency. Residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents with Illinois-sourced income must file if they meet specific income thresholds. For 2024, single filers under 65 must file if their Illinois base income exceeds $2,775, while married couples filing jointly must do so if their income surpasses $4,625. These thresholds are lower than federal requirements, meaning some who don’t file federally may still need to file for Illinois.

Full-year residents report all income, regardless of where it was earned. Part-year residents report income received while living in Illinois, and nonresidents are taxed only on Illinois-sourced income, such as wages from an Illinois employer or rental income from property in the state. Illinois has reciprocal agreements with Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin, allowing residents of those states who work in Illinois to file only in their home state.

Official Online Portals

Illinois residents can file for free through MyTax Illinois, the official online system from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). This portal allows electronic submission of IL-1040 returns, refund tracking, and tax account management. Unlike some third-party platforms that charge for state filing, MyTax Illinois is free for all users.

The system performs basic calculations to reduce errors and allows users to upload supporting documents. Taxpayers can also amend a previously filed return without extra fees.

For those who qualify based on income, the IRS Free File program offers another option. Some tax preparation companies partner with the IRS to provide free federal and state filing. However, not all Free File providers include Illinois returns at no charge, so checking eligibility beforehand is crucial.

Paper Filing Resources

Illinois taxpayers can submit a paper IL-1040 form by mail. While this method does not provide immediate confirmation like e-filing, it remains an option for those who prefer it or lack internet access. The Illinois Department of Revenue provides downloadable forms on its website, and using the correct year’s form is essential to avoid delays.

Paper filers must check for errors, as mistakes like incorrect Social Security numbers, miscalculations, or missing signatures can lead to rejected returns or delayed refunds. Unlike electronic filing, which automatically checks for common errors, paper returns are reviewed manually, increasing processing time. Using tax software to generate a completed paper return before printing can help minimize mistakes.

Mailing addresses depend on whether a payment is included. Returns with payments should be sent to:

Illinois Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 19027
Springfield, IL 62794-9027

Returns without payments should go to:

Illinois Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 19041
Springfield, IL 62794-9041

Sending returns via certified mail provides proof of submission, which may be useful if issues arise.

Filing Confirmation and Verification

After submitting a return, verifying its receipt and processing helps avoid penalties or delays. Taxpayers who file electronically can check their status within 24 to 48 hours through the Illinois Department of Revenue’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or by logging into MyTax Illinois. Paper filers should allow several weeks before checking their status.

If a return is rejected due to missing or incorrect information, prompt corrections prevent late filing penalties. Errors or discrepancies may trigger an IDOR review, delaying processing or resulting in an adjusted return. If additional documentation is required, the department will send a notice requesting specific forms or explanations. Responding quickly can prevent further delays.

If the state issues an adjusted tax bill, taxpayers should review the changes carefully. Miscalculations or misapplied payments can occur, and filing an amended return using Form IL-1040-X may be necessary to correct errors affecting tax liability.