Many Illinois residents filed their 2013 tax returns without professional help to save money on preparation fees. They believed their income tax situation was straightforward enough to manage independently using official income tax forms. Access to online tools like MyTax Illinois encouraged more people to attempt the process confidently. For many, filing alone felt like an efficient and affordable choice compared to hiring outside assistance.
At the same time, filing a 2013 Illinois tax return without guidance carried certain risks that residents had to consider. Mistakes on income tax forms could lead to delayed refunds, penalties, or additional correspondence with the Illinois Department of Revenue. Taxpayers with complex financial situations often discovered that professional knowledge was essential for avoiding costly errors. The decision often came down to balancing cost savings against potential risks and time commitment.
This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of self-filing a 2013 Illinois tax return without professional assistance. It highlights where handling Illinois tax independently can be practical, such as simple income reporting and basic exemptions. It also discusses when professional support may be necessary, especially for complex credits or Illinois estate tax considerations. Ultimately, readers can determine whether filing alone or hiring help is better for their situation.
Why Some Taxpayers Consider Filing on Their Own for a 2013 Illinois Tax Return
Filing your own 2013 Illinois tax return can appeal to many residents who want to take more control over their finances while avoiding extra costs. Below are the main reasons taxpayers consider managing the process themselves instead of hiring professional help.
Cost Savings: Keep more of your refund
- Many taxpayers choose to file independently because it reduces expenses connected with professional fees.
- Preparing an IL tax return personally allows filers to maximize their refund by applying credits and following the official instructions provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
- Avoiding outside costs means more money stays in the household budget and can be applied to other important financial needs.
Confidence: Manage straightforward income tax forms independently
- Taxpayers with simple income sources and no complicated forms often feel comfortable filing without professional assistance.
- Completing the income tax forms independently helps them better understand the Illinois tax process and strengthens their knowledge of state income tax rules.
- For filers who report only wages on W-2s and pay minimal tax, the process is often straightforward enough to handle personally.
Access: Use official Illinois resources online
- The state offers free tools like MyTax Illinois, which allows residents to securely create an account, submit their IL tax return, and track any refund status directly from the system.
- Filers can quickly search for official resources, including page links to income tax forms, instructions, and payment options.
- Whether requesting an extension, filing from outside Springfield, or wanting to claim specific credits, the MyTax portal provides accessible guidance and built-in error checks.
Filing your return independently is not for everyone. Still, for many Illinois taxpayers, the combination of lower costs, greater confidence, and easy access to official online tools makes self-filing a practical and rewarding option.
Advantages of Filing Without Professional Help for Illinois Tax
Filing your 2013 Illinois tax return can offer several benefits, especially for individuals with straightforward financial situations. By managing the process yourself, you gain flexibility, save money, and better understand state tax requirements.
Lower Costs: Save on Accountant or Preparer Fees
- When handling your Illinois tax return, you avoid paying hundreds of dollars in professional fees.
- You can take advantage of free tools such as MyTax Illinois, which eliminates the cost of third-party software in many cases.
- You keep more of your refund or reduce out-of-pocket tax expenses by not outsourcing the filing process.
Convenience: File Anytime Online or by Mail Without Scheduling Appointments
- You decide when and where to file, whether late at night, on weekends, or during holidays.
- You skip the need to coordinate with a tax preparer’s limited schedule or availability.
- You avoid the travel time and effort required for in-person tax preparation services.
Control Over Process: Directly Manage Information and Documents
- You review all your forms and income tax documents, ensuring accuracy.
- You decide how to organize supporting documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and receipts.
- You reduce the risk of miscommunication since no third party handles your financial details.
Faster Access to Refunds: E-filing Speeds Up Processing Times
- When filing electronically, refunds are processed in as little as 2–3 weeks, compared to 6–8 weeks for paper filing.
- You receive immediate confirmation from MyTax Illinois when your return is accepted.
- You minimize the chance of mailing delays or lost paperwork that could slow down refund delivery.
Learning Opportunity: Increases Personal Knowledge of Income Tax Rules
- You gain hands-on experience with Illinois-specific rules, such as exemption allowances and credits.
- You build confidence in understanding income tax forms and calculations for future tax years.
- You strengthen your ability to manage financial planning by knowing how state taxes affect your overall budget.
Filing without professional help is not for everyone, but for many Illinois residents, the combination of cost savings, convenience, and knowledge gained makes it a practical and empowering option.
Disadvantages of Filing Without Professional Help on Income Tax Forms
Filing a 2013 Illinois tax return without professional help may seem like a cost-saving decision, but it has several drawbacks that can create stress and financial setbacks. Here are the main disadvantages explained clearly:
- Risk of Errors: Filing your income tax forms increases the chance of errors in calculations, exemptions, or filing status, which can result in delayed refunds or costly penalties.
- Overlooking Credits and Deductions: Without professional guidance, you may miss out on Illinois-specific credits or deductions, such as property tax credits or earned income credits, that could lower your overall tax liability.
- Time-Consuming: Preparing your return without help requires hours of reading through instructions, understanding Illinois tax updates for 2013, and double-checking forms, which can feel overwhelming.
- Complex Situations: Filing on your own becomes even harder if you lived in Illinois for only part of 2013, earned income in multiple states, or need to file an amended return, as these cases involve additional schedules and complicated calculations.
- Audit Anxiety: Knowing you prepared the return yourself may cause stress, since small mistakes could increase the likelihood of an audit and lead to more correspondence with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
While self-filing may seem empowering, these disadvantages highlight why many taxpayers ultimately benefit from professional help when handling older and more complex Illinois tax returns.
Tools and Resources for DIY Filing of Illinois Income Tax
Filing your Illinois income tax return on your own becomes much easier when you know where to find reliable tools and resources. The state provides multiple options designed to simplify the process and reduce errors.
MyTax Illinois: Free online filing portal with built-in checks
- You can file your 2013 Illinois tax return directly through the MyTax Illinois portal without paying for third-party software.
- The system automatically checks your entries for errors, helping you avoid common mistakes that could delay your refund.
- You receive instant confirmation that your return has been submitted, which gives you peace of mind compared to mailing a paper form.
Official Income Tax Forms and Instructions: Access to IL-1040, IL-1040-V, and schedules
- The Illinois Department of Revenue provides all required income tax forms for free, including IL-1040 for returns and IL-1040-V for payments.
- You can download detailed instructions explaining each line of the forms, ensuring you understand how to correctly report income, exemptions, and credits.
- Supplementary schedules, such as Schedule NR for part-year residents, are also available so you can comply with specific filing situations.
Help Guides and Hotlines: Illinois Department of Revenue resources available at no cost
- The Department of Revenue publishes FAQs, help guides, and step-by-step resources to support taxpayers who file without professional help.
- You can call dedicated hotlines for guidance on filing requirements, payment issues, or refund status without paying extra fees.
- These free support services make it easier for individuals to resolve filing concerns quickly and accurately.
Using these state-provided tools ensures you can confidently complete your Illinois tax return while minimizing the risk of costly errors or missed opportunities for credits.
When It Makes Sense to Hire a Professional Instead for Illinois Estate Tax and Complex Issues
Sometimes, filing your own 2013 Illinois tax return is manageable, but certain financial and legal situations demand the guidance of a professional. Below are scenarios where professional help provides significant advantages.
Complicated Tax Scenarios: Business Income, Multiple States, Trusts
- Business Owners Benefit from Expertise: A tax professional can accurately report business income, deductions, and credits, ensuring compliance with Illinois income tax requirements.
- Multi-State Income Requires Coordination: Professionals understand how to properly file when you have earned income in Illinois and other states, preventing double taxation and maximizing credits.
- Trust and Estate Filings Need Specialized Knowledge: Complex matters like trusts, estates, and Illinois estate tax require technical expertise beyond basic individual income tax forms.
Filing Amended Returns or Dealing with IRS/State Notices
- Corrections Demand Precision: A professional can help you prepare and file an amended return, such as Form IL-1040-X, while avoiding additional mistakes.
- Handling IRS or Illinois Notices Professionally: Tax specialists are experienced in responding to inquiries or audits from the IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue, which reduces the risk of further penalties.
- Protecting Your Legal Rights: An expert ensures you meet deadlines, comply with requests, and avoid missteps that could escalate into legal or financial problems.
Taxpayers Who Value Peace of Mind Over Cost Savings
- Confidence in Accuracy: Hiring a professional gives taxpayers confidence that their Illinois tax return is complete, correct, and compliant with the law.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: A professional removes the burden of navigating complex income tax forms, deadlines, and filing procedures.
- Time Savings Justify the Cost: For many taxpayers, the time saved and the reduced chance of errors outweigh the financial savings of a DIY filing.
While filing on your own may save money, situations involving complex income sources, estate considerations, or amended returns make hiring a professional the smarter choice.
Common Mistakes People Make on Income Tax Forms
Filing a 2013 Illinois tax return without professional help can be straightforward, but many taxpayers run into errors that cause delays, penalties, or lost refunds. Below are some common mistakes and how they can affect your filing.
Forgetting to Sign the Return or Include Attachments
- Unsigned Returns Are Invalid: The Illinois Department of Revenue will not process an unsigned return, which can delay refunds or result in penalties for late filing.
- Missing Attachments Cause Delays: W-2s, 1099s, and required schedules must be attached to verify income and withholdings, or the state will consider the return incomplete.
- Both Spouses Must Sign: If filing jointly, both spouses must provide signatures to validate the return.
Incorrect SSNs, Math Errors, or Wrong Filing Status
- Incorrect SSNs Lead to Rejections: A Social Security number that does not match IRS or SSA records can cause the Illinois tax return to be rejected.
- Math Errors Trigger Adjustments: Mistakes in adding income, calculating exemptions, or subtracting credits can result in the Department of Revenue recalculating your tax, often delaying refunds.
- Wrong Filing Status Causes Miscalculations: Choosing the incorrect status, such as “single” instead of “head of household,” can change exemption allowances and tax owed.
Overlooking Available Credits or Exemptions
- Missed Property Tax Credit Reduces Refunds: Many taxpayers forget to claim the Illinois property tax credit available on Schedule ICR, losing valuable tax savings.
- Ignoring Exemption Allowances Increases Liability: The 2013 exemption allowance of $2,100 per person should reduce taxable income, but it is often left unclaimed.
- Earned Income Credit Boost Is Overlooked: Illinois increased the Earned Income Credit to 10% of the federal credit in 2013, yet many eligible taxpayers failed to apply it.
Using Outdated Income Tax Forms Instead of 2013-Specific Documents
- Wrong-Year Forms Lead to Rejection: Filing with 2012 or 2014 forms instead of the correct 2013 IL-1040 makes the return invalid.
- Schedules Must Match the Tax Year: Using the wrong version of Schedule M, Schedule NR, or Schedule CR can cause errors in reported credits and income adjustments.
- Official 2013 Forms Ensure Accuracy: The Illinois Department of Revenue provides archived 2013 forms online, and taxpayers must use those exact versions.
Avoiding these common errors can save time, reduce frustration, and help taxpayers receive their refunds faster. Taking a few extra minutes to double-check signatures, Social Security numbers, credits, and correct forms makes all the difference when filing a 2013 Illinois tax return.
Balanced Approach to Filing Illinois Tax
A balanced approach to filing Illinois tax means knowing when to handle tasks independently and when to seek guidance. Many residents can complete simpler portions of their 2013 Illinois tax return using state-provided forms and instructions. By starting the process themselves, taxpayers gain direct control over income tax forms and supporting documents. This method helps them stay informed while also reducing unnecessary professional fees.
Tax software reduces mistakes and ensures compliance with Illinois income tax rules. Automated checks catch common errors in income reporting, exemption calculations, and refund claims before submission. These tools guide users through Illinois tax requirements step by step, simplifying the process significantly. Using software helps taxpayers file more accurately while avoiding full-service costs from tax professionals.
Professional advice remains valuable for complex issues like the Illinois estate tax, multiple income sources, or part-year residency. Occasional consultations prevent costly oversights and give peace of mind during audits or amended return situations. Taxpayers must assess their comfort levels when deciding how much assistance they require. By balancing independence with strategic help, Illinois residents can manage taxes efficiently and confidently.
FAQs
Can I still file a 2013 Illinois tax return now?
Yes, you can still file a 2013 Illinois tax return, but it must be done by paper since the electronic filing system no longer accepts prior-year returns. While you won’t face late-filing penalties if you’re owed a refund, you typically have three years from the original due date to claim it. If you owe taxes, penalties, and interest, they continue to accrue until payment is made, so filing quickly is best.
What penalties apply if I made mistakes filing on my own?
If mistakes are discovered on your Illinois tax return, the Department of Revenue may charge penalties and interest. Common issues include underreporting income, claiming incorrect exemptions, or filing late. The late-filing penalty is usually 2% of the unpaid tax, while the late-payment penalty increases over time. Interest also accrues on unpaid balances. Correcting errors promptly by filing an amended return can reduce further penalties and demonstrate good-faith compliance with Illinois tax law.
How can I amend my 2013 Illinois return if I filed incorrectly?
To amend a 2013 Illinois return, you must complete and file Form IL-1040-X, the Amended Individual Income Tax Return. Include corrected information, explanations of changes, and any supporting documents such as updated W-2s or federal adjustments. Amended refund returns must be filed within three years of the original due date or one year after federal changes. Mailing instructions are provided on the form, and keeping copies of all submissions is strongly recommended.
Is MyTax Illinois still available for prior-year income tax forms?
MyTax Illinois is still active for current tax filings and account management, but it no longer supports electronic filing of older returns, like 2013. For a prior-year return, you must download the correct income tax forms (IL-1040 and schedules) from the Illinois Department of Revenue website and file by mail. However, MyTax Illinois can still be used to check account balances, make payments, and track activity related to older Illinois tax obligations.
What documents do I need to gather before starting the process?
Collect all relevant income and support documents to file a 2013 Illinois tax return. These include W-2s, 1099s (such as 1099-R for retirement income), and a copy of your federal tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ). You’ll also need records of estimated tax payments, documentation for credits like property tax or education expenses, and bank details for direct deposit if expecting a refund. Having complete documents reduces errors and ensures timely processing.
Explore More Tax Return Resources
Need Help With Back Taxes in Illinois?
Related Returns for 2013
See all State Tax Return Guides (2010-2024)
