Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Revenue and the IRS will start accepting 2024 income tax returns on January 27.

This year, eligible taxpayers in Illinois can use the IRS Direct File program to complete their federal tax returns electronically at no cost. After filing a federal return through the program, taxpayers will be directed to MyTax Illinois, the state’s free electronic filing system, to complete their Illinois state return.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, taxpayers who file electronically and submit an error-free return can typically expect their direct deposit refunds within about four weeks.