Illinois Salary & Paycheck Calculator (2026 Tax Rates)
Calculate take-home pay, Illinois 4.95% flat state tax, federal withholding, and FICA deductions.
How to Use the Illinois Salary & Paycheck Calculator (2026 Tax Rates)
Unlike states with progressive bracket systems like California or New York, Illinois operates under a constitutionally mandated flat individual income tax rate of 4.95%. Every dollar of taxable income earned in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, or downstate Illinois is assessed at the exact same 4.95% baseline after personal exemption allowances.
Formula and Calculation Methodology
- Illinois State Tax: Constitutional flat rate of 4.95% applied to net income after basic state exemption
- FICA Taxes: Mandatory federal payroll deductions: 6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare
- Federal Withholding: Progressive federal income tax brackets (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%)
In addition to state income tax, Illinois wage earners have 7.65% deducted for FICA (6.2% Social Security up to federal wage caps and 1.45% Medicare) plus progressive federal income tax withholding. Notably, neither Illinois municipalities nor Cook County levy local wage income taxes, simplifying paycheck deductions compared to states like Pennsylvania or Ohio.
Illinois Paycheck Breakdown Examples (Single Filer, Bi-Weekly)
| Annual Salary | Bi-Weekly Gross | Illinois State Tax (4.95%) | FICA (7.65%) | Bi-Weekly Net Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,923.08 | $90.01 | $147.12 | $1,524.20 |
| $75,000 | $2,884.62 | $137.66 | $220.67 | $2,168.45 |
| $100,000 | $3,846.15 | $185.31 | $294.23 | $2,795.80 |
| $125,000 | $4,807.69 | $232.96 | $367.79 | $3,412.10 |
| $150,000 | $5,769.23 | $280.61 | $441.35 | $4,015.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago or Cook County have a separate city income tax?
No. Illinois state law prohibits municipal personal income taxes, so Chicago residents pay the same 4.95% state rate as residents anywhere else in Illinois.
What is the Illinois personal exemption amount?
Illinois allows a standard individual exemption of $2,775 per taxpayer and dependent, indexed annually for inflation.
Are retirement pensions taxed in Illinois?
No. Illinois is one of the few states that exempts 100% of qualified retirement distributions, including 401(k), IRA, and state pension income from state taxation.