Ill., Chicago Extend Biz Tax Deadlines Due To COVID-19

To provide tax relief for Illinois businesses affected by the novel coronavirus, the state Department of Revenue has extended sales tax payment deadlines for certain restaurants, while Chicago has delayed payments of some transaction taxes.

Illinois eating and drinking establishments that incurred a total sales tax liability of less than $75,000 in calendar year 2019 can pay their state sales tax liabilities for February, March and April over four monthly installments beginning May 20, the department said in a Thursday bulletin. Qualifying businesses that meet the installment payments won't be assessed late payment penalties or interest, the bulletin said.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday the city will extend until April 30 the due dates for the city's bottled water tax, amusement tax, checkout bag tax, hotel accommodation tax, restaurant tax and parking tax.

The extensions are intended to offer businesses some measure of tax relief while the state addresses COVID-19. Like governors in other states, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has barred restaurants from offering dine-in service in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

--Editing by Vincent Sherry. 

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