Illinois Form IL-1040 Schedule G – Voluntary Charitable Donations (2026)
Last reviewed: 2025-11-07
Use the Illinois Tax Form Calculator Form IL-1040 Schedule G: Voluntary Charitable Donations as a stand alone tax form calculator to quickly calculate specific amounts for your 2026 Illinois state tax return. Alternatively, you can use one of our Combined Federal and State Tax Estimators to quickly calculate your salary, tax, and take-home pay.
Schedule G allows you to designate voluntary charitable contributions to specific Illinois funds and report the total on Form IL-1040, Line 35. You must enter whole-dollar amounts of $1 or more for each fund you wish to support. The total cannot be changed by amendment after filing. (See official instructions by the Illinois Department of Revenue.)
When and Why Use Schedule G
If you expect a refund or wish to reduce your balance owed, you may allocate part or all of your contribution to eligible Illinois charitable funds. These donations are voluntary and do not generate a separate tax credit—they simply direct how your tax-refund or tax liability is used.
Eligible Funds
The following funds are currently listed for designation: Wildlife Preservation Fund, Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Care & Support Fund, Assistance to the Homeless Fund, Diabetes Research Fund, Hunger Relief Fund, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund. Enter the amount you wish to contribute (whole-dollar minimum $1) in each applicable fund line. Then sum them for Line 2 (Total contributions).
Once you file the return with Schedule G, you may not amend to alter your designated fund choices or amounts. Retain proof of your return and note your selections.
| Step 2 – Donations (Whole dollars only) | ||
| a | Wildlife Preservation Fund | |
| b | Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Care & Support Fund | |
| c | Assistance to the Homeless Fund | |
| d | Diabetes Research Fund | |
| e | Hunger Relief Fund | |
| f | Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund | |
| 2 | Total contributions (Lines a-f) → carry to IL-1040 Line 35 | |
Practical Notes
Example: You choose to contribute $50 to the Wildlife Preservation Fund and $100 to the Hunger Relief Fund. Enter each amount on Lines a and e, sum to $150 (Line 2), and carry $150 to IL-1040 Line 35.
If you do not contribute to any fund, enter 0 on Line 2. Contributing does not change your tax rate or create a tax credit—it simply uses your refund or increases your liability.
Last reviewed: 2025-11-07: If you believe this form requires an update, please contact us.
Why Voluntary Charitable Donations Matter
Voluntary donations on Schedule G channel part of your Illinois refund (or increase your payment) to targeted public-interest programs. These designations do not create a tax credit or change your tax rate; they simply direct funds to state-recognized initiatives that expand services, research, and community support across Illinois. Once filed, designated amounts and fund choices cannot be changed by amendment. See official guidance from the Illinois Department of Revenue Schedule G Instructions.
How Donations Affect Your Return
- Each whole-dollar donation (minimum $1) reduces your refund or increases the amount you owe.
- Enter amounts by fund on Schedule G; the total flows to Form IL-1040.
- Keep a copy of your filed return; designations are final after filing.
Wildlife Preservation Fund
This fund supports Illinois conservation, nongame species protection, wildlife rehabilitation, and related grants. It is financed in part by the income-tax checkoff created under the Illinois Non-Game Wildlife Protection Act. Program overviews and grant details are maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Learn more via IDNR’s Wildlife Preservation Fund pages: Program overview and Rehabilitation grants. State budget documents also track transfers to the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund, evidencing ongoing legislative support (FY2022 addendum).
Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Care & Support Fund
Illinois taxpayers may contribute to a dedicated fund that supports Alzheimer’s research and related care initiatives statewide. Statutory authority is found in 410 ILCS 410 (Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Care, and Support Act), which authorizes a contribution line on the individual income-tax return (410 ILCS 410). The Illinois Department of Public Health provides background and history on the fund’s use for grants and programs that address Alzheimer’s in Illinois (IDPH Alzheimer’s Fund).
Assistance to the Homeless Fund
Donations help support shelter, meals, outreach, and stabilization services delivered by Illinois agencies. The fund is recognized in state finance and budget reporting, which documents annual transfers and appropriations supporting homelessness response (FY2022 budget addendum). Separate statutory provisions authorize contributions that reduce refunds or increase payments (35 ILCS 5/516).
Diabetes Research Fund
Established to advance diabetes research in Illinois, this checkoff was added for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2005. Donations are deposited into the Diabetes Research Checkoff Fund and used for research and related public-health initiatives. See Public Act references and summaries (P.A. 94-0107) and IDPH program background (IDPH Diabetes).
Hunger Relief Fund
Illinois’ Hunger Relief tax-checkoff provides a direct funding stream for statewide food-bank operations and emergency food distribution, administered under state law (see 35 ILCS 5/507SS and related provisions) and the Governor’s Office CSFA program description (Hunger Relief Fund (TEFAP)). Statutory references to the Hunger Relief checkoff’s inclusion among authorized funds appear in the Illinois Income Tax Act (35 ILCS 5/509).
Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund
For taxable years ending on or after December 31, 2021, Illinois added the Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund to Schedule G. Donations support services for families of hospitalized children across Illinois. The checkoff is codified at 35 ILCS 5/507JJJ via Public Act 102-0073 (P.A. 102-0073), with program details listed in the state’s grants catalog (CSFA profile).
Transparency & Annual Totals
The Illinois Department of Revenue publishes periodic reports showing the number of contributions and dollar amounts transferred to each checkoff fund, providing public transparency over use of designated donations (Voluntary Charitable Donations Reports).
Related Forms
- Form IL-1040 – Individual Income Tax Return
- Schedule ICR – Illinois Credits
- Schedule M – Additions & Subtractions
Quick Access Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file IL-1040-X if the IRS changes my income?
Yes. If the IRS adjusts your federal return and it affects Illinois tax, you must file IL-1040-X within 120 days of receiving the federal notice.
Are donations made through Schedule G-L tax-deductible?
Yes. Your Schedule G-L donations are eligible for a federal charitable deduction if you itemize on your federal Form 1040 Schedule A. Keep a copy of the filed schedule and any Lottery confirmation of your gift. The contribution will increase your Illinois payment or reduce your refund, but may lower your federal taxable income in the following year.
Changing jobs mid-year in IL
Update income/withholding and frequency; brackets are flat but credits/exemptions still matter.
Who must file Schedule FD?
You must file Schedule FD if you are a former Illinois resident who receives income (such as installment sale gains or deferred bonuses) sourced from Illinois that became taxable for federal purposes during 2026.
What documentation must accompany Schedule 1299-DA?
Attach copies of the other states’ filed tax returns, W-2s, or K-1s showing withholding and payments. Failure to attach proof can lead to denial of the credit. For convenience, you can track and upload copies directly through the MyTax Illinois portal.
Important Notes
All calculations are estimates for guidance only. Always review your return and consider professional advice when submitting official filings.