SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Revenue announced it will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax returns on Jan. 29, the same date the Internal Revenue Service begins accepting federal income tax returns.

In addition to free filing of Form IL-1040 through MyTax.Illinois.gov, individuals may also utilize the site to make payments, respond to department inquiries, and check the status of their refunds using the “Where’s My Refund” tab.

New this year is an increase in the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, which is now 20 percent of the federal EITC and includes additional groups of taxpayers in younger and older age brackets. Volunteer fire and emergency workers also have a new credit, with those who qualify to receive a $500 credit.

If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in about four weeks.
The tax filing deadline is April 15.