Speaker Request Topics

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has staff available to speak on several topics related to state and local taxes administered by the department. To request a speaker, please see the instructions.

Speaking topics include

Year End Updates – Income Tax Updates (mainly accountants/CPAs)

Estimated Time: 2 hours

This program provides information about form changes and legislative changes for the upcoming tax year.  This environment will allow attendees the opportunity to ask questions. Intended audience for this presentation would be for accountants and CPAs.

Year End Update – Income Tax Updates (taxpayers)

Estimated Time: 2 hours

This program provides information about form changes and legislative changes for the upcoming tax year.  This environment will allow attendees the opportunity to ask questions. The intended audience for this program would be Illinois taxpayers.

Filing IL-1040 through MyTax Illinois

Estimated Time: 1.5 hours

This program provides basic level instruction for taxpayers who wish to file their income tax returns electronically via MyTax Illinois. The intended audience for this presentation would be Illinois taxpayers.

Proper Collection of Sales Tax for Construction

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation provides information and examples regarding whether sales tax applies to sales of tangible personal property made by construction contractors.  Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions. This presentation includes presenters from both Taxpayer Services and Audit. Construction contractors are the intended audience for this presentation.

Local Tax Allocations 

Estimated Time: 3 hours

This workshop discusses items related to the allocation and distribution of taxes to local governments, including updates on changes that have happened as well as some exciting news for the future. Some of the topics covered include annexations, business district taxes, new rebate sharing agreement reporting, taxpayer listings, MyLocalTax, and new legislation that impacts local governments. Municipal officials, county officials, and their staff members are encouraged to attend the workshops. Clerks, treasurers, fiscal officers, and staff who are responsible for reviewing taxpayer listings are personnel who also could benefit from these workshops.

Business Districts 101

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation provides an overview of the Business District Development and Redevelopment Tax (BDST) and instructions on how to utilize MyLocalTax for verifying business district addresses. This presentation is intended for local government officials. 

I am in Collections – Now What?

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This program will help the delinquent taxpayer navigate through the collection cycle.  We will discuss what enforcement can occur (such as bank and wage levies, license/certificate holds, liens, etc.).  However, we will also provide valuable proactive information for taxpayers to minimize the chance those enforcement actions do occur.  Among other topics, we will discuss how and WHEN to respond to notices, how to request a payment plan, how to submit the necessary support (for returns that need adjusted), and how to file delinquent returns.  We will also provide details regarding the lien filing process and the most effective and efficient way to get a lien released.

While not all enforcement actions will apply to everyone that has a tax deficiency, this program will provide something for everyone to ensure they have the tools necessary to navigate through, and minimize, the time in the collection process. We encourage collection customers and/or their representatives to attend the workshops. 

Don't Panic! – What You Need to Know about Audit

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation will introduce you to the Audit Program Area of the Illinois Department of Revenue.  You will learn about the organizational structure of Audit, the audit timeline, and what to expect from the audit process.  An in-depth explanation will be provided on the following:

• The various types of correspondence that you will receive during an audit
• Examples of books and records and documentation that will be requested and reviewed during an audit
• The 'hot topics' concerning Income Tax or Sales & Miscellaneous Taxes, and the common audit findings related to these issues 
• The utilization of new technology during an Audit, including explanations of the Virtual Audit Room, the My Tax portal, and the Integration of the Audit workpapers into the Department's GenTax filing system
  
• The various administrative rights available to taxpayers at the end of the audit regarding the Fast-Track Resolution Program, the Informal Conference Board process, and the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal and Administrative Hearings processes
  

The presentation will also allow for a robust question and answer session.  Armed with this information, you should be able to navigate more smoothly through the audit process.

New Legislation

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Every spring the General Assembly convenes in Springfield to pass the State's annual budget and to pass laws to address the needs of the citizens of Illinois.  This includes changes to Illinois' tax code of which taxpayers, tax practitioners, and local governments need to be aware.  This module provides an overview of recently passed legislation that has either been signed into law by the Governor or is pending gubernatorial action.  The intended audience can range from the general public and tax practitioners to local governments desiring updates. 

Career Opportunities & Navigating the State of Illinois Hiring Process

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

There has never been a better time to work for the State of Illinois. We have a variety of jobs with the Department of Revenue and are always looking for talented, qualified, diverse candidates. In this session, you will learn how to navigate the hiring process and how to prepare for the interview. The intended audience is anyone who is (or knows someone who is) seeking a job with the Illinois Department of Revenue. 

Individual Income Tax Common Errors

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation will provide taxpayers and tax professionals with an overview of the most common errors for Individual Income Tax. 

Business Income Tax Common Errors

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation will provide taxpayers and tax professionals with an overview of the most common errors for Business Income Tax. 

Withholding Income Tax Common Errors

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation will provide taxpayers and tax professionals with an overview of the most common errors for Withholding Income Tax. 

Sales Tax Common Errors

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation will provide taxpayers and tax professionals with an overview of the most common errors for Sales Tax. 

Excise Tax Common Errors

Estimated Time: 1 hours

This presentation will provide taxpayers and tax professionals with an overview of the most common errors for Excise Tax.