Governor Quinn Signs Tax Tribunal Legislation

Governor Quinn has signed HB 5192 and Illinois’ Independent Tax Tribunal is now law! HB 5192, sponsored by Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Chicago) and Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Olympia Fields) was an initiative of the Illinois Chamber in partnership with the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois. In addition to the bill sponsors, thanks also go out to House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), House Revenue Chairman John Bradley (D-Marion), House Revenue Minority Spokesman David Harris (R-Mount Prospect) and Tom Johnson of the Taxpayers’ Federation who were instrumental in helping move the legislation through the General Assembly this spring. Special thanks to Governor Quinn for taking a bold step forward to improve Illinois’ tax administration program and enhance Illinois’ business environment.

The Tax Tribunal legislation is based on the American Bar Association Model Tax Court legislation and provides Illinois taxpayers-for the first time– with an independent administrative review of Department of Revenue tax assessments. Illinois has long been criticized for its lack of an independent tax resolution process and the signing of HB 5192 is the first step in what will be viewed as a major improvement in Illinois tax administration practices. The Tax Tribunal is scheduled to become operational July 1, 2013