SPRINGFIELD – Military service members and the Department of Revenue will see improvements when it comes to requesting and processing sales tax exemptions, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Our service men and women in Illinois have made great sacrifices,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Taking the time to look at how processes can be improved to help them accomplish what they need to do is one small way we can show appreciation.”

Senate Bill 1705 would eliminate the need for sales tax exemption certificates by members of the military. Instead, when making an exempt purchase, a service member can present a valid military ID and a form of payment where the military organization is the payor, as well as complete a form by the Department of Revenue.

Currently, the process to receive such exemption requires a single-use sales tax exemption certificate. This has caused the Department of Revenue's exemption certificate system to become cluttered, with military members frequently applying for certificates as they relocate. Additionally, military members often require an exemption certificate on short notice, leading to delays in the Department's processing and mailing of certificates.

“This bill will benefit the Department of Revenue by lessening their administrative burden, as well as military members in Illinois who will no longer have to take time acquiring single-use certificates,” said Porfirio. “Streamlining this process is common sense.”

Senate Bill 1705 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.