More central Illinois counties added to disaster proclamation

More central Illinois residents affected by the derecho storm will be eligible for late tax payment penalty protections following an expanded disaster proclamation by Gov. JB Pritzker.

If they cannot file on-time, taxpayers in an additional 13 counties can now receive an exemption from late penalties and interest for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes. Joining Sangamon County are Christian, Logan, Macon and Scott counties.

“Many Illinois communities suffered extensive damage due to the recent torrential rain and severe weather and I have now signed a broader proclamation to help all those affected,” Pritzker in a statement. “To support those impacted across the state, the expanded disaster proclamation will waive the penalties for a greater number of taxpayers who may need more time to file their state taxes.”

Those seeking waivers of penalties and interest for taxes are told to send a brief written message to the state Department of Revenue explaining why they cannot timely file or pay. That message should include their full name, account number, mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

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The derecho storm late last month brought bouts of heavy rainfall heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and winds exceeding 100 mph. Crews were brought in from outside of the state to help the tens of thousands in Springfield who lost power, the economic impact of the storms still being determined.

Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: More central Illinois counties added to disaster proclamation