CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The working poor will get some breathing room to pay delinquent fines and parking tickets, rather than having the money pulled from their state tax refunds, officials say.
It’s more of a tax deferment than a tax break. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said there’s some 15-million owed by low- to moderate-income taxpayers in unpaid parking tickets, traffic fines, court judgment and such. But, she said her office will not deduct unpaid fines and fees from any state income tax refunds for many low- and middle-class families this year. It has the power to do so now.
"The Illinois Office of Comptroller will not be deducting any fines or fees from the tax returns of Illinois' working poor this year...Low- and moderate-income taxpayers in Illinois, who qualify for the state-earned income tax credit will receive their entire tax refund this year," she said.
Mayor Lightfoot joined Mendoza at the Thompson Center news conference to welcome the agreement.
"We shouldn't be sending people to bankruptcy, simply because they owe fines and fees, particularly on non-moving violations," Lightfoot said.
"Our job now as leaders is to do everything in our power to ensure that that recovery is equitable, inclusive, and make sure that we are lifting everyone in every neighborhood regardless of their circumstances."
Mendoza cautions taxes are not forgiven, just deferred until at least next year. If economic recovery is slow Mendoza said the grace period could be extended.
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