Break this year for lower-earning Illinoisans

Posted on March 16, 2021
Susana Mendoza
The group of taxpayers Comptroller Susana Mendoza is talking about are the ones who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Some Illinoisans will get to keep their money — Comptroller Susana Mendoza says tax refund checks will not be raided for fines and fees.

The group of taxpayers Mendoza is talking about are the ones who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. “About 41,000 working families in Illinois (typically) see an average of $363 taken out of their tax returns for fees such as parking tickets. This adds up to more than $15 million in direct relief,” Mendoza told a Chicago news conference.

The mayor of Chicago has said relying on this form of collection becomes an addiction. Mendoza’s action is a deferral, not amnesty.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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