How this is calculated
Net pay in Illinois = gross salary minus federal withholdings minus Illinois income tax. Federal (tax year 2026, Rev. Proc. 2025-32): income tax on gross minus the standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 married) run through the seven brackets (10%–37%); Social Security is 6.2% up to $184,500; Medicare is 1.45% plus 0.9% over $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (married). Illinois has no standard deduction; it subtracts a personal exemption allowance ($2,925 per person; $5,850 for a married couple) and applies a flat 4.95%. Worked example — $60,000, single: federal income tax $5,020.00, Social Security $3,720.00, Medicare $870.00, Illinois income tax $2,825.21 ((60,000 − 2,925) × 4.95%); net $47,564.79 per year, about $1,829.42 per biweekly paycheck. Additional dependent exemptions and credits are not modeled.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides educational estimates only and is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Figures are simplified and may not reflect your full situation — consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Illinois taxes income at a flat 4.95%, with a per-person exemption allowance in place of a
standard deduction. This calculator itemizes your federal withholding and the Illinois tax for tax
year 2026 and shows the math.
How to use it
- Enter your annual gross salary.
- Pick your filing status.
- Illinois is preselected in the state menu at its flat 4.95% rate.
- Choose your pay frequency for the per-check net.
Flat by constitution
Illinois’ flat tax isn’t just policy — it’s in the state constitution, and a 2020 ballot measure
to switch to graduated rates was rejected by voters. So every earner pays 4.95% on net income,
after a modest per-person exemption (about $2,925; not allowed above $250,000 of AGI, or $500,000 married). On $60,000 single, that’s roughly $2,825 in
state tax. Compare a graduated state like
California, where higher earners pay progressively
more.
A break for retirees
Illinois stands out for not taxing most retirement income — Social Security, pensions, and
retirement-account withdrawals are generally exempt. It doesn’t change your working paycheck, but
it’s a real factor if you’re weighing where to retire. There are also no local income taxes on wages
in Illinois.
Limits
Covers federal income tax, FICA, and the Illinois flat rate using 2026 figures. It uses the
single/married personal exemption but not additional dependent exemptions, credits, or W-4
fine-tuning. It also always subtracts the exemption allowance, but Illinois doesn’t allow it on Form
IL-1040 when your adjusted gross income is over $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly). If
your AGI is over those amounts, this estimate understates Illinois tax by about $145 a year ($290
married). Unless you raise your withholding on Form IL-W-4 (fewer allowances or an extra amount each
paycheck), that difference shows up when you file — a smaller refund or a balance due. Check your refund with the tax refund calculator;
the flexible paycheck calculator handles any state.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Illinois state income tax rate?
- Illinois uses a single flat rate of 4.95% on net income. Instead of a standard deduction, Illinois gives a per-person exemption allowance (about $2,925 each), which is subtracted before the flat rate is applied. Illinois' flat tax is written into its constitution — a 2020 ballot measure to allow graduated rates failed.
- How much is withheld from a $60,000 paycheck in Illinois?
- For a single filer in 2026: about $5,020 federal income tax, $3,720 Social Security, $870 Medicare, and roughly $2,825 Illinois income tax — leaving about $47,565 a year, or $1,829 per biweekly check, before any 401(k) or insurance.
- Does Illinois tax retirement income?
- No — Illinois is notable for not taxing most retirement income (Social Security, qualified pensions, and IRA/401(k) distributions). That doesn't affect a working paycheck, but it's a meaningful feature for retirees. Illinois also has no local wage income tax.
- Which tax year does this use?
- Tax year 2026: the IRS federal figures from Rev. Proc. 2025-32, the SSA $184,500 wage base, and Illinois' 4.95% flat rate with the per-person exemption.