Illinois Paycheck Calculator
Free Illinois paycheck calculator. Estimate your take-home pay with current Illinois state tax rates and federal withholdings. Calculate federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Illinois state withholdings instantly.
What you should know about Illinois taxes
Illinois has a constitutionally mandated flat tax rate of 4.95%. A 2020 ballot measure to allow graduated rates was rejected by voters. Chicago residents do not face a city income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the nation.
Illinois Income Tax Brackets — 2026
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range |
|---|---|
| 4.95% | All taxable income (flat rate) |
Illinois Flat Tax: 4.95% on Every Dollar
Illinois charges a flat 4.95% income tax on all taxable income. This rate is written into the state constitution, which requires any income tax to be applied at a single uniform rate. In 2020, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed graduated rates with a top bracket of 7.99%. So for now, every Illinois worker — from a Walmart cashier in Springfield to a trader on LaSalle Street — pays the same 4.95%. Illinois does not allow a standard deduction or personal exemptions, which is unusual. Instead, you get a $2,425 personal exemption credit that reduces your tax liability (not your taxable income).
Working in Chicago: What to Expect
Chicago does not have a city income tax — a common misconception. However, Chicago and Cook County have some of the highest property and sales taxes in Illinois. The combined sales tax rate in Chicago is 10.25%. For commuters working in the suburbs vs. the city, there is no difference in state income tax — 4.95% applies everywhere. If you work in Illinois but live in Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, or Wisconsin, reciprocity agreements mean you only pay tax to your home state. This is a real benefit for workers in the Quad Cities (Iowa/Illinois border) or the Chicagoland region near Wisconsin. Our calculator handles these nuances.