Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act

an exciting program that benefits both donors and charitable causes in Illinois.

New in 2025, Illinois taxpayers are eligible to receive the 25% Illinois Gives Tax Credit. The Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program will incentivize up to $100 million in new charitable giving to Community Foundation endowment funds that permanently benefit Illinois charitable causes.

A gift may be made to establish a new endowment or to an existing endowment.

*Donor advised funds do not qualify.

We encourage you to plan early to take advantage of this opportunity and contact the Community Foundation to ensure your gift is eligible!

How it Works

  • Tax credits are for 25 percent of the gifted amount.

  • Individuals are limited to $100,000 in tax credits per year for a $400,000 gift, and a couple is limited to $200,000 in tax credits per year for a $800,000 gift (if both are Illinois taxpayers).

  • If you cannot use the entire credit this year, you can carry it over for up to five years. The tax credit is not transferable.

  • Donor advised funds are not eligible for endowment tax credits.

Steps to Applying for and Receiving the Illinois Gives Tax Credit

1. Contact the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln to discuss your charitable goals and how to maximize the benefits of the Illinois Gives Tax Credit.

2. If you do not already have a MyTaxIllinois Account, request a Letter ID through MyTaxIllinois. You will then receive a PIN via U.S. mail, which you will use to complete your account registration.

3. Apply to make a gift to the Community Foundation through MyTaxIllinois.

4. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will send you a Contribution Authorization Certificate (CAC) to your MyTaxIllinois account.

5. You must make your gift to the Community Foundation within 10 business days after receiving your CAC.

6. Once the gift is received, the Community Foundation will confirm receipt. You will receive a Certificate of Receipt (COR) through your MyTaxIllinois account, which you will use to claim the credit on your income tax return.

Illinois Gives Tax Credit Calculator


Helpful Resources

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