Illinois

General Instructions

The Illinois Department of Taxation does not require you to file a request for additional time. Illinois grants an automatic extension until October 15, 2008 to file your 2007 tax return. However, Illinois does require that 90 percent of your tax liability be paid on or before April 15, 2008 to avoid penalties and interest.

Penalty and Interest Charges on Tax Owed:

Those who do not pay the full amount due on or before April 15, 2008 will be charged interest on the unpaid balance and a late payment penalty. Those who do not file for an extension, or file late are also charged a substantial late filing penalty.

• Interest is calculated on the tax from the day after the original due date of the return through the day you pay the tax. Interest is simple interest figured using a daily rate. Illinois adjusts the current interest rate charge twice each year.
• Late payment penalty rates are: 2% for up to 30 days late; 10% for 31 or more days.
• A late payment penalty is based on the amount of tax shown due on your return, minus any timely payments, timely credits, and the tax used in calculating the underpayment of estimated or quarter-monthly tax. This penalty is figured at increasing rates based on the number of days the payment is late. The penalty rates are:
• 2 percent of any amount that is paid up to 30 days late;
• 10 percent of any amount that is paid 31 or more days late.

If You Owe...

If you owe additional Illinois Income Taxes you may pay your estimated balance due in the following ways:

1. Prepare an Automatic Extension Payment Form IL-505I (click here to download PDF)
2. Enclose a check or money order in the amount of the estimated tax due.
3. Mail to:
   Illinois Department of Revenue
   PO Box 19005
   Springfield IL 62794-9005

Illinois accepts payment by credit card through Official Payments Corporation. Making your payment in this way automatically qualifies you for an extension of time to file your tax return until October 15, 2008. You will not need to file any other forms at this time. You can do this either on the web or by telephone.

Official Payments Corporation will accept Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard, Visa or American Express card to pay your personal income taxes. There is a convenience fee for this service equal to 2.5% of the tax amount being charged. The minimum fee is $1.00.

To make your payment and receive an automatic extension of time to file, have the following information ready:

• The amount you are paying in dollars and cents
• Your social security number
• Your spouse's social security number (if applicable)
• The first four letters of your last name
• The first four letters of your spouse's last name, if different from yours
• Tax year 2007
• Your home telephone number (including area code)
• Credit card number
• Credit card expiration date (MM/YYYY)
• ZIP Code for the address where your credit card bills are sent

Make your payment at the Official Payments Corp. web site.

Use your touch-tone phone to call toll-free (800) 272-9829. At the end of your call you will be given a confirmation number. Write down and save this confirmation number for your records

If You Do Not Owe...

If you are expecting a refund from Illinois there is nothing to be filed, an extension is automatically granted until October 15, 2008 for the filing of your 2007 tax return.

Download Extension Form(s)

Illinois

Extension for tax year 2007