The Illinois Department of Revenue will begin accepting 2018 state individual income tax returns on Monday, January 28th, that’s next Monday, which is the same date that the Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting federal individual income tax returns.  The Department of Revenue in Illinois is reminding taxpayers that filing tax returns electronically and requesting direct deposits into their checking or savings account is still the fastest and most secure way to receive a refund.  Taxpayers who receive an identity verification letter may now authenticate electronically, through the IDOR’s free online account management program, known as MyTax Illinois.  In the past, identity authentication was required in through a written documentation, sent through the mail, so that it would create a time-consuming process for the taxpayer and the IDOR.  MyTax Illinois will begin accepting individual tax returns on January 28th, with taxpayers able to file their IL-1040 forms for free by using MyTax Illinois.  Individuals may also utilize MyTax Illinois to make payments, check the status of their Illinois Individual Income Tax refunds, by using the Where is my refund link, then look up their IL-PIN amount from any estimated tax payments they have made.  IDOR anticipates that direct deposit refunds will be issued approximately 4 weeks form the time that the error-free electronically-filed return is submitted.