Farmers who have filed estimated tax declarations must file their final tax return by the April 15 deadline.
Tax returns with insufficient postage will not be delivered, and if mailed near the deadline, could result in a penalty fee for a late-filed return.
Senior and disabled citizens awarded grants under the Circuit Breaker Law should not declare them on the Illinois income tax return: it is relief for taxes already paid and not considered new income.
Pensioners who deduct payments on their Illinois income tax return must attach verification for their deduction. A copy of the page from the federal tax return where retirement or pension income is reported will fulfill the requirement.
Taxpayers are solely responsible for their return, even if it is prepared by someone else. The Illinois Department of Revenue, therefore, cautions persons to "Beware of a tax preparer who promises you a large refund; refuses to sign the return, as required by law; uses his address for a tax refund; requires that you pay a percentage of the refund to him; or asks you to sign a blank return."
Corrections can be made on state returns already filed by using an IL-1040-X form to amend the return without penalty, if done before April 15. They can be obtained from the Illinois Department of Revenue, Box 3545, Springfield, 62708.
A 216-page book, "1977 Guidebook to Illinois Taxes" published by Commerce Clearing House, gives advice on all major state taxes; explaining persons or transactions subject to tax, exemptions, basis and rate of tax, returns and payments. The price is $7 per copy, and the book can be obtained by writing Commerce Clearing House, 4025 W. Peterson Ave., Chicago, 60646.
Free information and assistance for your Illinois income tax return is available by calling:
Areas outside Cook County
1-800-252-8972 (toll-free)
Cook County Only
641-2150 or by stopping in the Taxpayer Service
Center in the lobby of the Illinois Building, 160
N. LaSalle St., Chicago.
Taxpayer assistants are on duty at each number between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday./ M.T.S.ž
28/April 1977/Illinois Issues