I received two calls from this number today, both times a message was left. My ringer was off so I missed both calls. When I checked the messages it was a rep (she did give her name, but no need to post it here) with the Il Dept of Rev. She left a message for Jane Doe (again, real name not needed) and 217-785-7318 as a return number. This is a legit line. It is true, this exact number is not listed on the Il Dept of Rev's website because it is a direct line to the rep.

I received one of these calls as well. I just got off the phone with the Illinois Department of Revenue (800) 732-8866 and was told that I had missed some information on my 2012 IL tax return and they needed some additional information. They sent me a letter back in September but I recently moved and did not forward my mail so I never got it. I definitely recommend calling the 800 number to make sure there is nothing outstanding but as Victoria said make sure you have your tax documents. Also, the 800 number brings to you an automated system and does ask for your SS # but if you just say agent it will transfer you to the next available agent. My wait was less than 5 minutes.  

Hope this helps as I was also very confused by the posts on this string.

I received the same suspicious automated message, but after calling the 1 800 toll free number on the dept of revenue's web page, found out that it was indeed NOT fraudulent. The particularly 217 number mentioned in the automated message does not appear on the web page, but apparently an agent told me it was because this specific number is their collections dept.

I had recently changed addresses and as a result, not received mail notifications of an outstanding balance I had due (in case it might help any other new Illinois residents, I was unaware that if your income tax due is more than $500, you are expected to pay this amount in 4 separate estimated payments to the dept of revenue throughout the year. As I didn't realize this and paid it in one lump sum at the end of the year, there was a "late penalty" outstanding on my file).

I called the main toll free number on the Illinois revenue web page to sort this all out, and then called the 217 number specified in the automated message (after confirming with the first agent that this was ok) to verify my file information and take care of this issue. The wait was about 20 minutes when I called (the wait for the toll free number was less than 10, however, you should have your necessary tax docs in front of you to answer some security questions here). In the end, I was able to request an abatement of this penalty because it was my first year filing in Illinois, and this was done expediently by faxing over a signed letter to this collections dept (the office of the 217 number).

So in the end, NOT a scam, but indeed I understand if you were suspicious. The mixed messages on this forum alone are enough to confuse you. If you have any further questions, or lingering suspicions, I recommend calling the toll free number and if they are not entirely able to sort this out for you, at least an official agent can confirm the legitimacy of the 217 number for you and instruct you how to proceed from there.

You can see the number CLEARLY listed @ http://tax.illinois.gov/Publications/PIOs/PIO-33.pdf

That is an official State of Illinois Publication listed right on the Illinois Website.

Why are you so mad? Seriously you act like someone owes you money! Seriously go sit down somewhere!

http://tax.illinois.gov/QuestionsAndAnswers/541.htm

this is the IL IRS website address for collections dept.

So....I looked at the website and opened the PDF...that number doesn't show up, nor any of the other 6 numbers with the 217 area code that my dad receives a call from. You are who again.........seems to me part of the screw is trying to disguise themselves in trying to convince people that all is good. Liars!!!!!!

The number may be verifiable and not bogus, but someone may still be hacking in and phishing. You do not have to give your ss number out. Just make sure you are all clean with your state taxes!

One of my clients got a call from this number regarding their tax return

ive been getting them this past weekend...and i too was a scared to give them my ss number...so, i punched a bogus ss number in ....told wait time is ...19 minutes....i hung up...i havent recd a letter or anything...so f it.

Hello,

A tax firm I used to work with confirmed that this is a scam. A client of theirs told them about it and after some digging and phone calls found it to be fraudulent. The local chief of police was even flooded with calls questioning this number, and he too said it was fake.

Whatever it is, don't EVER give out your social security number, especially to an automated service.

I received several automated  phone calls from 217-785-2698.  There was an automated message stating information was needed about last year's income tax return.  I was told to wait and that waiting time was 28 minutes.  Finally I left a message and was told someone would call me back.  I checked this out on the internet and see that several other people received similar calls.

I got this call and thought it was bogus, but it isn't. You likely owe something to the State of Il. In my case it was a $56 penalty my preparer didn't include in what I owed. Ignore these at your own peril.
Look up form pio-33 the callback number, 217-785-2698, is clearly listed there.

Thanks to the agent who set this thing straight as I had all of the annoying numbers that were robo calling me marked as fraud!

Oh, and by the way.  Please come back and post what you found out when you finally call.  Dont forget to ask about the letters they sent and the address you last gave them on a return.  No sense in making everyone else who looks at this assume you are correct in your statements of bellicose ignorance .

OK.  I'll give you some examples, though I don't see how your length of time in IL has anything to do with it.
1.  Did you move and not update your address with the department?  They may be collecting for information received in an IRS audit.
2.  Has it been several years since you filed and they have an old address to which they have been sending letters?  They only send to the best, last address and they do not have a reason to try to track you down, it is YOUR job to make sure you can be contacted.
3.  Is it possible that the letters were ignored or discarded as junk mail?  The department cannot account for that, but they only have the legal requirement to send the letter, not make sure you get it.

Really, this can be easily solved by looking at PIO-33.  Here is a link
tax.illinois.gov/Publications/PIOs/PIO-33.pdf

As you can see, it is the number for collections.  BTW, if you google the number, this "verifiable website" you so desperately want is right there.

Oh really?  Then explain to me why, after I haven't lived in Illinois for almost 7 years, that they are calling now.  And why I have never received any letters from them AT ALL in the past three months.  If they want anything from me, they need to make sure I get the mail or call me with an actual person on the line or with a phone number that shows up on a verifiable website instead of only these types of sites.

It is.  And if you call the IDOR taxpayer assistance line 800-732-8866, they will confirm that it is collections.  If you are getting that automated call, it is because you have ignored 3 months worth of letters and are getting in line for a collection agency.  If you want to verify the assistance number I gave you, try the website @ tax.illinois.gov.

I just received the same message. I was at work, so immediately became suspicious. Proceeded to return their call. An automated operators wants my personal info. NOT TODAY !   I dont beleive its really the Ill Dept. of Revenue.

I RECEIVED THE SAME CALL!!!!!  THEY ASKED FOR MY SOCIAL TO BE ENTERED THEN PRESS POUND...  Not gonna get my information!

I received a Remote call from 217-557-6641, that they are from the IL DEPT. of REVENUE and not to hang up BUT, if I couldn't hold on for someone, to call the 217-785-2698 number. I waited for half an hour and no one ever picked up! So, I did a search online and these numbers are connected and a FRAUD!! Scammers are probably fishing for information. DO NOT CALL or give ANY of your personal information out over the phone.