Pritzker Waives Penalties and Interest for Illinois Taxpayers Affected by Severe Weather

After severe weather severely damaged homes and businesses in 15 counties in Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) responded by announcing disaster tax relief.

Pritzker stated, “Severe weather has caused significant damage and disruption for families, businesses, and communities across Illinois, and many are still recovering. 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.”

Which counties are eligible for disaster tax relief?
Tax relief applies to areas included in Governor Pritzker’s Disaster Proclamation for Summer 2026 Storms. Currently, this includes:

• Alexander
• Champaign
• Cook
• DuPage
• Ford
• Fulton
• Kane
• LaSalle
• Lake
• McLean
• Marshall
• Pulaski
• Tazewell
• Vermilion
• Will

If severe weather prevents taxpayers in these counties from filing tax returns or making payments on time, they may request a waiver of penalties and interest. Relief is available for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes.

How taxpayers can request a waiver.

• Send a brief written explanation to IDOR regarding why you cannot file timely or pay
• Provide your full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when you believe you can file or pay
• Submit the request 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 a taxpayer has already been billed for penalties, they can still request relief.

• Email REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov and provide your name, business name, account number(s), and the periods for which you 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.

If you need assistance applying for disaster tax relief, we’re ready to help.
Your Weiss Tax Advisor can answer your questions, confirm your eligibility, and assist with your request. Contact us at your convenience. After 204 tornadoes in Illinois so far in 2026, we agree with the Governor – tax payers deserve some relief!