OTTAWA, IL – As the July 15 deadline to file state and federal taxes approaches next week, state Rep. Lance Yednock is highlighting free filing options for local residents who may need assistance.
“Filing taxes can become overwhelming for many, but there are free filing services and assistance programs from the IRS and state government available to ease the process,” Yednock said. “For those who may be faced with financial hardships, there are also payment plans available, allowing taxes to be paid in installments.”

This year, the federal and state deadline for filing 2019 tax returns was moved to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS estimates nearly 70 percent of federal taxpayers are eligible for the Free File service, which identifies free state tax filing options available through IRS providers. Fill Free services can be accessed by visiting IRS.gov/freefile. Additionally, through the Illinois Department of Revenue’s (IDOR) MyTax Illinois website, MyTax.illinois.gov, all Illinois taxpayers are eligible to file state taxes for free.

Payment plans are also available for federal and state taxes. For federal taxes, the IRS offers an online payment plan application for both, short-term payment plans of less than 120 days and long-term payment plans of more than 120 days. Taxpayers interested in payment plans for state taxes must complete IDOR’s form CPP-1 Installment Payment Plan Request, which can be accessed at revenue.illinois.gov, and then the department determines eligibility for a payment plan.

“With Tax Day quickly approaching, it is important for residents to know there are resources available to make filing taxes less of a burden for taxpayers,” said Yednock. “I strongly encourage those in need of assistance filing taxes, or may just have questions to use these free trusted solutions provided by the IRS and IDOR.”

Individuals needing support with state tax issues can call IDOR’s tax help hotline at 1-800-732-8866 or visit revenue.illinois.gov. For assistance or questions concerning federal taxes, individuals can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov/help.

Rep. Lance YednockRep. Lance Yednock

(D-Ottawa)
76th District

Springfield Office:
240A-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0140

District Office:
628 Columbus St.
Suite 204
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 324-5055