Illinois Residents Can Now File 2025 Income Taxes for Free—Here Is the Faster Way to Get Your Refund

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Tax Day—often considered the most dreaded date on the calendar—is quickly approaching. However, why not make it easier on yourself this year? Illinois is helping to ease the burden by offering free tax preparation services.

In Illinois, you can use MyTax Illinois to electronically file your original Individual Income Tax Return. The best part? It’s easy, free, and you’ll receive your refund more quickly.

You can file an original IL-1040 through MyTax Illinois if you meet the following criteria:

1. You have not yet filed an individual income tax return for this tax year.
2. You are an established Illinois taxpayer, having filed an IL-1040 return for the tax year 2024.
3. You possess a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
4. You have a valid email address.
5. You are a full-year resident of Illinois.
6. You are not claiming any of the following:
   • Taxable income or additions, except for your Adjusted Gross Income or any tax-exempt interest reported on the federal 1040.
   • Subtractions, except for Social Security income, retirement income, Illinois income tax overpayments, military pay, U.S. interest, contributions to a 529 plan (such as “Bright Start” or “Bright Directions” with the account number), or exemptions.
   •  Non-refundable credits, except for the property tax credit, K-12 education expense credit, or Volunteer Emergency Worker credit.
   • Payments or refundable credits, except for Illinois withholding from W-2s, W-2Gs, 1099-Gs, 1099-INTs, or 1099-Rs, estimated payments, Earned Income Credit, or Child Tax Credit.
   • Pass-through withholding or the pass-through entity (PTE) tax credit.

It’s important to note you can’t use MyTax Illinois if you are a first-time filer, as it requires a prior-year IL-1040 on file. 

Documents, records, or receipts you may need filing your taxes:

1. Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your 2024 IL-1040.
2. A copy of your federal income tax return and associated schedules.
3. Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms.
4. Your property number and the total amount of property tax paid.
5. Receipts for qualified education or moving expenses.
6. Your bank routing and account number if you are expecting a refund and wish to have it directly deposited into your checking or savings account.
7. Year-end statements for qualified 529 savings account contributions for the tax year.
8. Year-end statements detailing the amount of U.S. interest received for the tax year. Make sure to gather these documents to ensure a smooth filing process.

How to file your tax returns

You can file your 2025 IL-1040 without needing a MyTax Illinois account by using the non-login option.

To do so, go to the Individuals tab and select “File a 2025 IL-1040.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your tax return.

If you already have a MyTax Illinois account, you can log in to your account to file your IL-1040, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

When do you get a refund?

You can check the status of your refund here.