Illinois rules
How Illinois taxes your paycheck in 2026
Illinois is one of a shrinking number of states that uses a flat income tax: every dollar of taxable income is taxed at the same 4.95% rate, no matter how much you earn. That makes Illinois refreshingly predictable — but it also means lower earners pay the same rate as the wealthy.
The 4.95% flat tax
The Illinois Department of Revenue applies a single 4.95% rate to your Illinois taxable income. Because there are no brackets, your effective state rate barely changes as your salary rises — only the personal exemption introduces a small amount of progressivity at the bottom.
| Gross salary | IL state tax (≈4.95%) | Est. take-home |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | ~$2,330 | ~$40,000 |
| $75,000 | ~$3,570 | ~$58,000 |
| $100,000 | ~$4,810 | ~$74,400 |
| $150,000 | ~$7,290 | ~$106,200 |
After the personal exemption. Single filer, 2026 federal brackets and FICA.
The personal exemption (allowance)
Illinois lets you subtract a personal exemption of about $2,850 per person (2026) before applying the flat rate. A married couple with two children claims four exemptions, shaving over $11,000 off taxable income. The exemption phases out for very high earners. This calculator applies the standard single or married exemption automatically.
What Illinois doesn't tax
Notably, Illinois does not tax retirement income — Social Security, qualified pensions, and IRA/401(k) distributions are exempt from state tax. That makes it surprisingly friendly for retirees despite the flat working-age rate.
Comparing Illinois to other states
Illinois lands in the middle of the pack. Compare a salary against progressive California or New York, or a no-tax state like Texas, to see where the flat rate stands.
Questions
Illinois salary calculator FAQ
What is the Illinois income tax rate for 2026?
Illinois has a flat individual income tax of 4.95% on all taxable income, administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Unlike progressive states, the same rate applies whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000.
How much is taken out of a paycheck in Illinois?
An Illinois paycheck is reduced by federal income tax, 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare and Illinois' flat 4.95% state income tax. On a $70,000 single salary, total deductions are roughly 24% to 26%.
Does Illinois give a personal exemption?
Yes. Illinois provides a personal exemption (allowance) of about $2,850 per person for 2026, which reduces your taxable income before the 4.95% flat rate is applied. The exemption phases out at very high incomes.
What is the take-home pay on $75,000 in Illinois?
A single filer earning $75,000 in Illinois takes home roughly $58,000 a year after federal tax, FICA and the 4.95% state income tax. Use the calculator above for your exact figure.
- Sources: Illinois Department of Revenue (4.95% flat rate; personal exemption) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA wage base.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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