Illinois Income Tax at a Glance
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax. The state also has one of the highest effective property tax rates (~2.1%) in the nation. Sales tax is 6.25% base, with Chicago's combined rate reaching 10.25% — among the highest in major U.S. cities.
How Illinois's Tax Compares
Illinois has a cost of living index of 94 (where 100 is the national average), putting it 6% below average. This means a $75,000 salary in Illinois has the purchasing power of about $79,787 in an average-cost state.
Take-Home Pay by Salary in Illinois
Here is the approximate Illinois state tax on common salary levels for a single filer taking the standard deduction:
| Annual Salary | State Effective Rate | Est. State Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | 4.95% | $2,475 |
| $75,000 | 4.95% | $3,713 |
| $100,000 | 4.95% | $4,950 |
| $150,000 | 4.95% | $7,425 |
| $250,000 | 4.95% | $12,375 |
These are state-only estimates. Your paycheck also loses federal tax (10-37% progressive) and FICA (7.65%). Use our tax calculator pre-filled for Illinois to see the full picture.
Largest Cities in Illinois
Illinois's population centers, each with their own local tax quirks, property tax rates, and cost of living:
Common Illinois Deductions & Credits
- Standard deduction — varies by state; most states mirror or reduce the federal amount
- Retirement account contributions — 401(k), IRA, HSA typically deductible (check state conformity)
- Charitable giving — if you itemize on state return
- Mortgage interest — if itemizing
- State-specific credits — earned income tax credits, child tax credits, property tax credits
Is Illinois a Tax-Friendly State?
It depends on income. Lower earners pay relatively little. Higher earners in Illinois face one of the heavier combined federal + state burdens. See how you compare with our tax calculator.
Illinois vs No-Tax States
If you earn $100,000 in Illinois, your state tax is roughly $4,950. In Texas, Florida, or Washington, you would pay $0. Over 30 years of work, that difference compounds into a real retirement-size gap. But cost of living, property tax, and quality-of-life factors matter too — don't move just for the tax.