Chicago, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – If you owe the State of Illinois money that you just haven’t paid yet, you can do it for a month and a half without penalties or interest.

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) says it will hold a “Tax Amnesty Program” for residents and businesses from October 1 to November 17.  It’s made available through existing state law, the Illinois Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act.  In order to take advantage of the program, “eligible liabilities are taxes due from periods ending after June 30, 2018, and prior to July 1, 2024,” according to a state news release. 

“This initiative demonstrates Governor Pritzker’s ongoing commitment to supporting taxpayers, particularly those facing financial hardships or economic uncertainties,” said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris, in a news release. “We encourage both individuals and business owners to use the amnesty period to resolve outstanding tax liabilities and achieve greater financial stability.”

The state says during the last amnesty program in 2019, $360 million was collected.

According to the state:

  • Taxpayers who failed to file a tax return or incorrectly reported the liability due on a previously filed return for these tax periods, can file returns, make corrections, and pay the taxes. They must file an original return for non-filed periods or file an amended return to make corrections.
  • Eligible outstanding taxes must be paid in full during the amnesty window to qualify. Payments can be made online at mytax.illinois.gov using a checking or savings account, by mail, or in person through the Illinois Department of Revenue.

For full, detailed information regarding the 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program, taxpayers should visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty.  Assistance may also be obtained by contacting IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 1-800-732-8866 or by email address. Over-the-phone translation services are available. TTY number – 1-800-544- 5304. Business hours: Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.