(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Employment Security has announced that the state’s unemployment rate was at 4.6% last month in December, up only two-tenths of a percentage point from the month before, in November, and down three-tenths of a percentage point from December the year before, 2024. Total non-farm payrolls increased by only two-tenths of a percentage point in December, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
(SPRINGFIELD) A taxpayer advocacy group warns local governments could be using tax dollars to promote tax increase proposals. The Americans for Prosperity Illinois Chapter says at a taxpayer cost of $80,000, Township High School District 214 in Arlington Heights conducted political-style polling designed to test messaging and measure voter sentiment ahead of a potential property tax increase referendum. A request to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to investigate the possible misappropriation of taxpayer funds has fallen on deaf ears.
(SPRINGFIELD) Commercial trucking firms based in Illinois can now renew their federal registration credentials online. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office says companies with fewer than 250 vehicles can complete International Registration Plan renewals by uploading their IRS-issued Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 and submitting payment electronically. More details about IRP renewals and online services are available online at ilsos.gov.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Revenue began accepting 2026 individual income tax returns yesterday, the same day the Internal Revenue Service opened its federal filing season. The IDOR says people who file accurate returns electronically and select direct deposit typically receive their refunds in about four weeks. The deadline to file Illinois returns is April 15th, 2026.