Hoffman-backed legislation expands tax contribution options

From Illinois Business Journal news services

BELLEVILLE – A new law supported by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, will allow taxpayers to support the Special Olympics, care for those with autism and the U.S.S. Illinois submarine by checking a box on their state income tax forms.

“Individuals making small contributions can have a very large impact,” Hoffman said. “Adding these important causes to our income tax forms gives people the option of supporting families with autism, those with special needs and the members of our armed services at a time when that support is certainly needed.”

Hoffman sponsored Senate Bill 1906, which gives taxpayers the option of contributing to the Special Olympics, a state fund supporting care for those with autism and the U.S.S. Illinois Commissioning Fund, which is raising money to the crew of a new submarine named after the state. Donations are voluntary and can be as small as $1. The measure received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, and is now law.

Currently, taxpayers can donate to Alzheimer’s research, breast cancer research, child abuse prevention, diabetes research, assistance to the homeless, military family relief and wildlife preservation. A number of causes listed on the 2013 state income tax return received over $100,000. These new options will be shown on the 2015 income tax returns filed in the coming year.