Tax Preparer / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Tax Preparer License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Prepares tax returns. Some states require registration beyond federal PTIN.

What the Illinois data shows for Tax Preparers

Illinois sets the entry bar for tax preparers at board-approved training and a passing score on a state-approved exam. A background check is a standard part of the process. The credential is administered under Illinois's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Varies".

The initial price tag is $100 every 2 years. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Illinois, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

There's no published reciprocity list here - Illinois reviews out-of-state credentials individually.

Licensing Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
72/100
Tax Preparer · Illinois

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training A+
None required
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$100
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden N/A
N/A
Renewal fee annualized over the renewal cycle
Continuing Education N/A
N/A
Continuing-education hours annualized over the renewal cycle
Experience Required N/A
N/A
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Varies
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Tax Preparer All Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Tax Preparer in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, the license path calls for, a passing exam score, and a $100 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Tax Preparer in Illinois? ▼
To become a licensed tax preparer in Illinois, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Illinois licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Tax Preparer license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Out-of-state tax preparer credentials get a case-by-case review in Illinois rather than automatic recognition. Interstate compacts exist for a number of professions and might still help. Confirm the details with the Illinois licensing board.
Does Illinois require a background check for Tax Preparer licensing? ▼
Yes, Illinois requires a criminal background check as part of the tax preparer licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

Related Guides

What to do with this tax preparer license

Tax Preparer in Illinois is one requirement row in a tax preparer-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Illinois's tax preparer requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Tax Preparer in every state
  • Read the general portability rules before moving an existing license to a new state. Transfer guide
  • See how Illinois's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Illinois overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Illinois licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.