The Illinois Department of Revenue is beginning to accept 2017 state individual income tax returns starting on Monday, January 29th. That is the same day that the Internal Revenue Service will begin to accept federal individual income tax returns. IDOR is reminding taxpayers that filing tax returns electronically and requesting direct deposit into a checking or savings account is still the fastest and most secure way to receive a refund. IDOR begins this tax season with a continued focus on protecting taxpayers and state government against tax fraud. Fraud prevention measures continue on the rise, IDOR anticipates direct deposit refunds will be issued 4 weeks from the time an error-free electronically-filed return was submitted. MyTax Illinois is the IDOR’s free online account management program, which will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns on January 29th. Taxpayers can file their Form IL-1040 for free by using MyTax Illinois. Individuals may also utilize MyTax Illinois to make payments, check the status of their Illinois Individual Income Tax refund and look up their Il-PIN, estimated tax payments and 1099-G amounts. For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules and instructions for the 2017 tax season, please visit IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.gov.