IL HB5778

Expands Illinois income tax credit for wages paid to qualified veterans to include spouses of qualified veterans for taxable years beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021.

Credit equals 10% of gross wages paid to a qualified veteran or veteran's spouse, with maximum credit of $1,200 per taxable year.

Requires veteran or spouse to have at least 185 days of "sustained employment" during the taxable year to qualify.

Defines qualified veteran as Illinois resident who served on active duty in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom and received honorable discharge, initially hired on or after January 1, 2007.

Excess credits exceeding tax liability may be carried forward and applied to tax liability for up to 5 following taxable years.