Schedule G (IL-1040) — officially titled “Voluntary Charitable Donations” — is a supplemental form used by Illinois taxpayers who wish to donate part of their tax refund (or add to the amount owed) to specific charitable funds designated by the Illinois Department of Revenue. When you file your state income tax return using Form IL-1040, you may choose to support a variety of approved causes, such as wildlife preservation, Alzheimer’s research, hunger relief, and more.
The form makes it simple for Illinois residents to give back directly through their tax return. Each fund listed on Schedule G (IL-1040) supports local and statewide nonprofit initiatives that are officially recognized by the state government. Contributions must be whole-dollar amounts ($1 or more), and any donation you make reduces your refund or increases your total payment due.
Even if you are not receiving a refund, you can still make a contribution by sending the additional payment with your tax return. Donations are voluntary and will be distributed to the chosen funds in accordance with the Illinois Income Tax Act.
How To File Schedule G (IL-1040)
Filing Schedule G is straightforward. You’ll attach it to your Form IL-1040 when submitting your Illinois state income tax return for the 2024 tax year.
- Obtain the form — Download Schedule G (IL-1040) from the Illinois Department of Revenue website or fill it out through an e-file provider.
- Complete the taxpayer information — Fill in your name and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Form IL-1040.
- Choose your donation amounts — Decide which charitable funds you’d like to support and enter a whole-dollar amount ($1 or more) for each.
- Add up your donations — Total all donations on the form.
- Transfer the total to Form IL-1040 — You’ll enter this total donation amount on Line 35 of your main Illinois income tax return.
- Attach Schedule G — Include the completed form when you file your return (paper or electronic).
How To Complete Schedule G (IL-1040)
Let’s go through every section of Schedule G (IL-1040) step by step.
Step 1 – Provide Your Information
- Your Name: Enter your full name exactly as shown on your Form IL-1040.
- Your Social Security Number: Enter your SSN to link this schedule to your primary return.
Step 2 – Donations
Note: Any donation will reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe. You must enter only whole-dollar amounts (no cents).
Line 1 (a) – Wildlife Preservation Fund
Enter the dollar amount you wish to donate to this fund.
This supports projects that protect and manage Illinois’ native plants and animals.
(Example: entering 10 donates $10.)
Line 1 (b) – Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Care, and Support Fund
Enter your chosen donation amount.
Funds support research for the cure and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease across Illinois medical and research institutions.
Line 1 (c) – Assistance to the Homeless Fund
Enter the whole-dollar amount to donate here.
Contributions help local nonprofit agencies that provide shelter, meals, and essential services for homeless families and individuals.
Line 1 (d) – Diabetes Research Fund
Write in your donation to this fund.
Proceeds support research on detection, prevention, screening, management, and treatment of diabetes.
Line 1 (e) – Hunger Relief Fund
Enter your chosen contribution.
This fund aids hunger relief programs such as food banks, soup kitchens, and community feeding initiatives for the needy.
Line 1 (f) – Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund
Enter your donation amount here.
Funds go toward Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provide housing and support for families of hospitalized children.
Line 2 – Total Donation
Add Lines a through f and enter the total donation amount here.
Then, copy this same total to Line 35 of your 2024 Form IL-1040.
This represents your overall contribution to the charitable programs.
Footer & Important Details
At the bottom of the form, you’ll see:
- IL-1040 Schedule G (R-12/24) — indicating the current revision (for tax year 2024).
- A reminder: “Make a difference … Donate to a worthy cause.”
- Instructions clarifying that this form is authorized under the Illinois Income Tax Act, and disclosure of your information is required. Failure to complete it correctly could result in penalties.
- The statement “Printed by authority of the state of Illinois. Electronic only, one copy.”
Final Tips Before Filing
- Use whole-dollar values only — no cents.
- Double-check your math on Line 2 before transferring it to your main tax return.
- Keep a copy for your records (even if you file electronically).
- Remember: Donations made here are voluntary but meaningful — they directly benefit programs across Illinois.
- Attach Schedule G (IL-1040) securely when submitting your Form IL-1040.