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Illinois Angel Investment Tax Credit Program.

The program offers Illinois income-tax credits to qualifying investors who make eligible equity investments in certified early-stage Illinois businesses.

Offered byIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunityverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Businesses first seek annual QNBV certification, then investors apply for credits after making eligible investments. Rural QNBVs in counties with no more than 250,000 residents are among the statutory set-asides.

Best for: Early-stage Chester businesses seeking equity capital and investors considering certified Illinois ventures.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Qualifying investors in DCEO-certified Qualified New Business Ventures
  • Illinois early-stage companies that qualify for annual QNBV certification

Eligible uses

  • Qualifying at-risk equity investments made after annual QNBV certification

Uses excluded by the source

  • Investments made before QNBV certification
  • Loans or other investments that do not provide eligible equity risk

Application

How to start.

  1. The business applies for current-year QNBV certification before accepting a credit-eligible investment.
  2. The investor completes an eligible equity transaction after certification.
  3. The investor submits the claimant application and proof of funds during the applicable allocation period.

Timing: QNBV reviews and investor allocations follow the official 2026 schedules; credits are limited and allocated periodically.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The business must be certified before the investment.
  • Credits are limited by quarterly allocation and cannot exceed Illinois tax liability for the year, subject to carryforward rules.

Other investment incentives require separate eligibility review.

Evidence

Official sources.