By Benjamin Yount 
Illinois News Network

You can file your Illinois tax return now, but it’s going to be a while before you get your refund.

The state of Illinois started accepting tax returns on Monday, the same day as the federal government. But Terry Horstman with the Illinois Department of Revenue says it’s going to take some time for the state to start sending out any refunds.

“The Department of Revenue is continuing with its fraud prevention measures,” Horstman said. “We anticipate direct deposit refunds will be issued four weeks from the time that an error-free, electronically filed return was submitted.”

Horstman said “error-free” is the key phrase.

He said electronic tax returns will be processed faster. Most Illinois taxpayers file online, though some still use pen and paper.

“Eighty-four percent of state of Illinois taxpayers file electronically,” Horstman said. “So there are 16 percent of people out there who prefer the paper method. And the department does accept paper. It will take a longer processing time, as the department will have to individually handle each of those returns.”

If you will have to pay the government this year, taxes are due April 17.