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Illinois Paycheck Guide

Illinois uses a flat state income tax. Everyone pays the same percentage on taxable wages, regardless of income.

PI
Reviewed by PayslipIQ Editorial Team, in-house payroll editor
Last reviewed May 2026 · Editorial standards on methodology

PayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, accounting, employment, benefits, or payroll advice. PayslipIQ is not a CPA firm, law firm, financial advisor, payroll provider, or tax authority. Always verify your paycheck, deductions, withholdings, and tax position with your employer's payroll department, a qualified CPA, the IRS, your state tax authority, or another appropriately qualified professional. Calculations are estimates; your actual paycheck may differ based on factors specific to your employer, location, benefits elections, and personal tax situation.

Illinois: the local picture

Illinois runs a flat 4.95% state income tax (constitutional, hard to change). Chicago does not levy a city income tax on wages, but Chicago has additional payroll-related rules around tipped wages, paid sick leave, and the Fair Workweek Ordinance. Illinois also runs a state-level Personal Property Replacement Tax that businesses pay (not employees).

Illinois Paycheck Calculator

Estimate take-home pay for Illinois.

Illinois State Tax

Illinois tax structure and rates.

Illinois Overtime

Federal FLSA applies.

Illinois Pay Stub Laws

Employer pay stub requirements in Illinois.

How a Illinois paycheck is built

Every Illinois worker pays federal income tax, calculated on the W-4 you submitted to your employer using the IRS Publication 15-T tables. Federal income tax is followed by FICA: 6.2 percent Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45 percent Medicare on every dollar. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies once year-to-date wages cross $200,000 single or $250,000 married filing jointly.

Illinois adds a flat state income tax of approximately 4.95 percent. Verify the current rate with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

What changed recently in Illinois

  • Flat 4.95% rate unchanged.
  • Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance expanded in 2024.
  • Tipped wage credit exists but Chicago is phasing it out by 2028.

Illinois payroll quirks workers should know

  • No city income tax in Chicago.
  • Cook County and other counties do not levy income tax.
  • Illinois uses IL-W-4 form for state withholding.

Example breakdown

A hypothetical Illinois worker on a $65,000 annual salary, paid bi-weekly, single filer, no extra adjustments. Educational only, your real paycheck differs.

Gross (bi-weekly)$2500.00
Federal income tax-$250.00
Social Security (6.2%)-$155.00
Medicare (1.45%)-$36.25
Illinois state tax-$123.75
Estimated take-home$1935.00

Run your own numbers in the Illinois paycheck calculator.

Authoritative sources

Frequently asked questions

Does Illinois have state income tax?
Yes. Illinois uses a flat state income tax rate. Verify the current rate with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Are there local income taxes in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not have local income taxes on wages.
Does Illinois have State Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave premiums?
No. Illinois does not have state-mandated SDI or PFL employee premiums.
Does Illinois have daily-overtime rules?
No. Illinois follows federal FLSA: 1.5x for hours above 40 in a workweek.
What is FICA on a Illinois paycheck?
FICA is federal: 6.2 percent Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45 percent Medicare on every dollar. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies above $200,000 single or $250,000 married filing jointly. FICA applies in every state.
Where do I verify Illinois state tax withholding?
The Illinois Department of Revenue (https://tax.illinois.gov/) is the authoritative source. For your specific paycheck, contact your employer's payroll team or a CPA.
Does Chicago have a city income tax?
No. Chicago does not have a city income tax on wages. Workers in Chicago see only Illinois state tax (4.95%) and federal taxes on their stub.
Why is my Illinois withholding the same percentage every paycheck?
Illinois has a flat 4.95% rate. Unlike progressive-tax states, your withholding rate does not change as your year-to-date earnings climb.