Dear friend,
The end of summer is approaching – except for the heat it seems – and I wanted to share some resources with you about tax credits and deductions that the state is offering for residents. Read on to learn more about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and back-to-school tax benefits that are available.
With Labor Day quickly approaching, I hope that you and your family are staying healthy. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612, Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483 or SenatorHalpin.com with any questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Halpin
State Senator | 36th District
Back-to-School Tax Benefits
The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student under age 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students.
The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax credit for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides in a qualified school for at least 900 hours during a school year. Increasing from last year, they can now claim a credit up to $500 for qualified expenses they paid in the current taxable year. If spouses are both educators and are filing jointly, the maximum credit is $1,000.
Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced that the next funding round for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program will open Wednesday, Nov. 1 and run through Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Individuals that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer, meet all other eligibility requirements, and apply during the rebate cycle will be eligible for up to a $4,000 rebate as long as funds are available.
Forms and application instructions will be available starting Oct. 18 on the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage.
Hazardous Waste Collection Event in East Moline
Rock Island County Waste Management Agency is hosting a household hazardous material collection event on Saturday, Oct.7 at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds. This is an opportunity for Illinois residents to responsibly dispose of materials that cannot be disposed of with normal waste. Please sign up for a time slot to help ensure efficient drop off. Click here to sign up.
This event is co-sponsored by the Illinois EPA. For details on accepted materials, go to www.ricwma.org.
Car Seat Safety Check Event
My office is hosting a free car seat safety check event in partnership with the Regional Office of Education #33 and the Galesburg Fire Department. I encourage every parent in Knox, Warren and Mercer counties to attend. The event will be Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Galesburg Fire Station, located at 150 S. Broad St. The Regional Office of Education #33 will have 13 certified child passenger safety technicians on hand for the event. This is a free event and appointments are NOT required. Read more here.