Illinois residents and businesses in 11 counties damaged by storms this spring and early summer are eligible to request relief from tax penalties and interest, officials announced Friday. The state proclamation covers storm-related disruption that occurred between March 10 and June 21, and includes both individuals and businesses.
Who qualifies and what’s covered
The tax relief applies in the following counties: Coles, Cook, Effingham, Jefferson, Kankakee, LaSalle, McLean, Stephenson, Warren, Winnebago and Woodford. State officials said any additional counties added later to the disaster proclamation will also become eligible.
The abatement option covers a range of state taxes when storm damage or disruption prevents timely filing or payment. It applies to:
- Income taxes
- Withholding taxes
- Sales taxes
- Specialty and excise taxes
The proclamation does not extend to the Motor Fuel Use Tax, officials emphasized.
How to request a waiver
Taxpayers seeking relief must send the Illinois Department of Revenue a brief written explanation describing why they could not file or pay on time. Guidance from the agency says the submission should include:
- Full name
- Account number
- Mailing address
- An estimate of when the taxpayer expects to file or make payment
Requests may be emailed to REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov or mailed using the address that appears on the tax return. If mailed, the department asks taxpayers to write “Severe Storms - Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and include the written explanation for the abatement request.
Property assessments and next steps
Property owners who believe storm damage warrants a reassessment should reach out to their county supervisor of assessments. That office handles property valuation and can guide owners through filing for changes tied to storm-related losses.
| Effective storm period | Counties covered |
|---|---|
| March 10–June 21, 2026 | Coles, Cook, Effingham, Jefferson, Kankakee, LaSalle, McLean, Stephenson, Warren, Winnebago, Woodford |
For many households and small businesses still recovering from structural damage, power outages or displacement after the severe weather, the waivers can ease short-term financial pressure while repairs and insurance claims are pending. Taxpayers uncertain whether they qualify should contact the Department of Revenue before their filing or payment due date to explain their situation and request abatement.
The relief is an administrative measure tied to the state’s disaster proclamation; officials said it is intended to accommodate taxpayers whose ability to meet deadlines was materially affected by the storms.
If additional counties are added to the proclamation, the Department of Revenue will extend the same penalty and interest abatement eligibility to those areas.
Grace Kowalski is News Block’s Illinois correspondent.
