By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – State officials said thousands of people fail to file for state tax refunds when they could get more money back.
Friday was the Internal Revenue Service’s 14th annual Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day and the Illinois Department of Revenue said taxpayers who file for the federal credit sometimes leave a state tax credit on the table.
“The state EIC and federal EITC put thousands of dollars in the pockets of hard-working families every year,” Acting Director David Harris said in a statement. “A family’s eligibility can change year to year, so I urge all working families to check their status. Taxpayers should also note that they must claim both the state and federal components if they wish to maximize these valuable credits.”
A couple filing jointly with three or more children could make about $56,000 and still qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
For the 2019 tax year, credits can reach up to $6,557 for a couple filing jointly that earns less than $55,952. A single filer with no children making less than $15,570 would be entitled to a $529 return.
IDOR said nearly 20,000 Illinoisans claimed a federal EITC credit without also claiming the state EIC, leaving more than $5 million dollars unclaimed.
“Their benefits are going to be tied to how many dependents they have, where on the income scale do they fall but, federally, some families are eligible for up to six or seven thousand dollars and even if you don’t have children you can still apply and get a couple of hundred dollars back on your tax return,” Illinois Department of Revenue spokesman Sam Salustro said.
Generally, a taxpayer who qualifies for the federal credit is also eligible for the state tax credit. For information, visit irs.gov.
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