What Changes in Your Paycheck in Illinois
Your paycheck in Illinois shows an Illinois state income tax line item at a flat 4.95% rate—the same percentage whether you earn $1 or $1. For a $1 salary, that's ~ $1 annually (~ $1 per biweekly paycheck). Illinois paychecks only show state and federal tax deductions—no local income tax line items. However, Illinois's high property taxes mean homeowners will see those costs through mortgage escrow or direct property tax bills—they're just not on the paycheck The flat rate means your state tax increases linearly with income, unlike progressive states where tax increases accelerate with higher brackets. Retirees see no state tax on retirement income distributions, making Illinois attractive for those relying on retirement savings.
Example State Tax in Illinois
What you'll pay in Illinois state income tax at different salary levels (single filer, no deductions):
| Gross Salary | State Tax (Year) | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,475 | 5.0% |
| $75,000 | $3,713 | 5.0% |
| $100,000 | $4,950 | 5.0% |
| $150,000 | $7,425 | 5.0% |
Use the calculator above to see your exact take-home pay with your filing status and deductions.
Illinois Income Tax Rate
4.95% flat rate
Everyone pays 4.95% of taxable income, regardless of income level or filing status.
Key Facts That Affect Your Take-Home Pay
- Illinois uses a flat 4.95% income tax rate for all income levels and filing statuses—unlike federal taxes or states with graduated brackets, your Illinois tax percentage stays the same whether you earn $1 or $1. This flat rate was increased from 3.75% in recent years, making it one of the higher flat tax rates in the nation.
- Illinois has no local income taxes at the city or county level for most residents (unlike Pennsylvania or Ohio where many cities levy local taxes), so your paycheck shows only state and federal tax deductions—no surprise local income tax line items based on your work address. Chicago does not levy a separate income tax, unlike many other major cities.
- Illinois's flat tax rate means everyone pays the same 4.95% rate regardless of income level, creating a simple but potentially regressive system where lower earners pay a larger percentage of their take-home pay toward state tax than higher earners. The rate is higher than Pennsylvania's 3.07% but lower than most progressive states' top brackets.
Is Illinois Better for You?
Illinois works well for:
Illinois works well for high earners who benefit from the flat rate structure and retirees who benefit from exemptions on retirement income. In states with progressive brackets, someone earning $1 might pay 8%-10% effective state tax. In Illinois, that same person pays a flat 4.95%, resulting in lower total state tax. Retirees benefit significantly from Illinois's exemption of all retirement income (Social Security, pensions, 401(k), IRAs) from state taxation, regardless of age—unlike some states that only exempt retirement income for residents 60+.
Illinois may not be ideal if:
Illinois is challenging for lower-income workers, single filers, and homeowners in high-property-tax areas like Chicago and surrounding suburbs. While 4.95% seems modest, it's a larger percentage of take-home pay for someone earning $1 compared to someone earning $1. Flat taxes are regressive in their effective impact. Additionally, Illinois's high property taxes can significantly impact homeowners—a $1 home in Chicago might incur $1-$1+ annually in property taxes, which can offset income tax savings If you're early in your career, earning below median income, or a homeowner in high-property-tax areas, you might keep more net pay in states with progressive brackets that exempt low-income earners or in zero-tax states.
Common Mistakes People Make
Misconception: 'Flat tax means low tax.' Illinois's 4.95% flat rate isn't necessarily low—it's simple, but not necessarily cheap. For someone earning $1, that 4.95% is $1, which could be more than they'd pay in a progressive state with generous lower brackets. The 'flat tax' label sounds appealing, but it doesn't automatically mean you'll pay less than in states with graduated brackets—especially for middle-income earners who might benefit from progressive brackets elsewhere.
Misconception: 'No local taxes means Illinois is cheaper than other states.' While Illinois doesn't have widespread local income taxes like Pennsylvania or Ohio, the state's high property taxes and sales taxes can significantly offset this advantage. Property taxes in Illinois, especially in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, are among the highest in the nation and can range from $1-$1+ annually for a typical home Combined with the flat 4.95% income tax, your total tax burden may not be as low as expected.
Misconception: 'Everyone pays the same percentage, so it's fair.' While everyone pays the same 4.95% rate in Illinois, the economic impact is different. 4.95% of a $1 salary ($1) represents a larger share of disposable income than 4.95% of $1 ($1). Flat taxes are proportionally equal, but not necessarily equitable in terms of real-world impact on people's financial lives—lower earners pay a larger percentage of their ability to cover necessities, while high earners benefit from not being pushed into higher brackets.
One Thing to Know
Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the nation (especially in Chicago and suburbs), but they're not on your paycheck—they come through mortgage escrow or direct bills. Many people focus on the 4.95% income tax rate and are shocked when they see $1-$1+ annual property tax bills on a typical home.
Important Notes
These calculations are estimates based on current tax law. Your actual take-home pay varies based on:
- Pre-tax deductions (401(k), health insurance, HSA, etc.)
- Your W-4 withholding elections
- Additional income or deductions at tax time
- Individual circumstances and tax situations
Tax rates are subject to change. Federal and state tax laws may be updated annually. This is not tax advice. For personalized help, consult a tax professional familiar with Illinois tax laws.