February 01, 2019

Underwood, Casten call for IRS to help with local tax burden

Members of the House of Representatives are voicing their concerns about the local and state tax burden on Illinois families due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, and Rep. Sean Casten, D-Downers Grove, are urging the Internal Revenue Service to address what they call the disproportionate tax burden on Illinois taxpayers due to the changes in the law, which limit the state and local tax deduction, according to a news release.

Underwood and Casten wrote a letter expressing their concern about IRS efforts being "insufficient."

"Illinoisans are already facing higher federal taxes due to the Republican tax law, which places a uniquely large burden on middle-class families in the Illinois 6th and 14th Congressional Districts," Underwood and Casten wrote in the letter.

The representatives argued the law limited the state and local tax deduction to just $10,000 for individuals and families. They called that part of the law a "devastating financial blow to many."

They said state and local taxes are used to fund law enforcement, first responders, public education and a number of other services that "contribute to the well-being of our communities."

"We urge your attention to this important matter and request an update in writing on the IRS's actions to address these burdens on Illinois taxpayers no later than Feb. 12, 2019," they wrote.


Source: By ALEX ORTIZ