Relief for Cook County Taxpayers Affected by Severe Weather and Flooding

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State Offers Relief for Cook County Taxpayers Harmed by Recent Severe Weather

On October 31, 2023, Gov. JB Pritzker offered assistance to individuals and businesses impacted by the severe weather and flooding in Cook County on September 17. These residents and businesses may request waivers of penalties and interest on state taxes. Taxpayers should do so if they cannot file their returns or make payments on time. The impacted Cook County taxpayers are eligible to request a waiver of penalties and interest for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes.

Last month’s flooding and excessive rain rendered extensive damage to many. This is the State’s effort to support those affected. There is a signed Disaster Proclamation. The state will waive the penalties for taxpayers who need more time to file their state taxes.

Taxpayers seeking waivers of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation. They should detail why they cannot timely file or pay to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The explanation should include their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

Requests may be sent electronically to REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov. You can also send via postal mail using the address on the return. Taxpayers using USPS should write “Severe Storm – September 17, 2023” on the top of the return in red. They must include their explanation for penalties and interest abatement request.

Property owners who may have been impacted by severe weather should contact the Cook County Assessor’s Office. Owners can file an appeal due to any property damage.