PEORIA, Ill. – In advance of the April 15 tax filing deadline, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is encouraging local residents to use resources provided by the state to assist with filing returns and tracking refunds.

“Filing taxes can easily turn from a routine procedure into a burdensome chore,” Gordon-Booth said. “Having to pay unnecessary fees to file your taxes should not add stress or bust your pocketbook.”

Illinois residents and businesses can file their state tax returns online by visiting tax.illinois.gov and following the links that correspond to their filing status. This service is provided free by the Illinois Department of Revenue. After filing, taxpayers can determine the status of their return by visiting myrefund.illinois.comptroller.com and can sign up to receive text message or email notification when their refund has been processed.

“Many people choose to use online services and software which often advertise free federal tax return filing but more often than not these programs wind up charging users a fee to file their state return,” Gordon-Booth said. “With the resources the state has made available, Illinois residents and business owners can file and pay their state taxes for free and without any hassle.”

For assistance or for more information, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent service office at 309-681-1992.