
A retired Illinois resident who filed a federal return, you must file Form IL-1040. However, certain types of retirement income (e.g., pension, Social Security, railroad retirement, governmental deferred compensation) may be subtracted from your Illinois income. For more information, see the instructions for Line 5 and Publication 120, Retirement Income.
What do I do if my refund is different than what was shown on my return?
If your state tax witholdings are greater then the amount of income tax you owe the state of Illinois, you will receive an income tax refund check https://exhibitionstandbuilders.eu/topic-no-704-depreciation-internal-revenue-service/ from the government to make up the difference. Full-year residents must report all income, regardless of where it was earned. Part-year residents—those who moved into or out of Illinois during the year—must file if they had income while living in the state. Nonresidents must file if they earned income from Illinois sources, such as wages from an in-state employer or rental income from Illinois properties. Illinois has a flat state income tax, meaning all taxpayers pay the same percentage regardless of income.
- You can also pay estimated taxes every quarter to cover your bases with the IRS.
- For example, if you pay a share of premiums for health insurance, life insurance or disability insurance through your company, that money will be deducted from your earnings.
- The Illinois Property Tax Credit allows residents to claim 5% of property taxes paid on their primary residence, offering meaningful relief to homeowners, especially in areas with high property taxes.
- Additionally, the funds in these retirement accounts grow tax-deferred, meaning that taxes on investment gains are not paid until the money is withdrawn during retirement, ideally at a lower tax rate.
- The state charges a 6.25% sales tax, while local sales taxes can range up to 5.25%.
How is income taxed in Illinois?

Filing your Illinois state tax return, which may include considerations for sales tax and estate tax, can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of tax laws and regulations. This guide is designed to simplify the process for the 2025 tax season, offering you the latest updates, essential deadlines, and practical tips to ensure a smooth and successful filing experience. See the Illinois Department of Revenue Income Tax Credits and Expirations list for information about income tax credits. Also, you will find links to other important Illinois income tax return information and other related features (e.g. tax extension, amendment, etc.). Illinois does not tax retirement income, which is a big plus for retirees. There is also no state personal property tax, so you will not be paying annual taxes on things like your car.
Current Year – File Form IL-1040, Individual Income Tax Return, on MyTax Illinois
Those who owe taxes should submit Form IL-505-I with an estimated payment to avoid late fees. Tax liability is based on federal adjusted gross income (AGI), which is adjusted for Illinois-specific additions and subtractions. Common additions include federally tax-exempt interest from municipal bonds issued outside Illinois. Subtractions often include retirement income, which Illinois does not tax. The final taxable income is then multiplied by 4.95% to determine the tax owed. The minimum filing threshold in Illinois determines the income level that triggers the requirement to file a state tax return.

4 – Illinois Itemized Deductions
This tool is freely available and is designed to help you accurately estimate your 2026 tax return. The EITC rates and thresholds are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the economy and cost of living. For the tax year 2025, these adjustments ensure that the credit remains aligned with the current economic conditions, providing targeted support to eligible taxpayers. Understanding the latest EITC rates and thresholds is crucial for taxpayers who wish to maximize their potential credit and accurately plan their finances. The EITC can have a significant impact on a family’s annual budget, offering relief and financial stability to millions of Americans each year including those in Illinois.
This comprehensive guide embeds all rate data illinois state tax income for tax year 2025 and shows how to calculate what matters for residents, retirees, businesses, and executors. To keep you on the page, just two outbound links are included to official state guidance. Tax-Rates.org provides easy access to five of the most commonly used Illinois income tax forms, in downloadable PDF format. For all of the tax forms we provide, visit our Illinois tax forms library or the ‘s tax forms page. There are also some items that are exempt from sales tax; a list of those items, including newspapers and magazines, can be found here. Illinois applies per-gallon alcohol excise taxes based on the alcohol content of the beverage being sold.

That means a homeowner in Illinois can expect to pay about $5,055 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $239,100. That will vary by location of course, but seniors who intend to buy property in Illinois for their retirement should plan on paying significant taxes on that property. Nonresidents may also benefit from tax treaties and agreements that prevent double taxation.
- Whether you’re settling down in Chicago, Peoria or Springfield, you’ll want to know about the taxes paid by Illinois retirees.
- Replacement Tax, also known as Personal Property Replacement Tax, is a tax on the net income of corporations, subchapter S corporations, partnerships, and trusts.
- We grant an automatic six-month extension of time to file your return.
- Unlike federal 529 plans, which provide tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses, Illinois’ deduction applies only to contributions, not earnings.
- View how much tax you may pay in other states based on the filing status and state entered above.
- Persons 65 years of age and older can also claim the senior citizen homestead exemption.

We strive to update our tax rates annually or whenever significant tax law changes occur in Illinois or at the federal level. In addition to income tax, you’ll also pay FICA taxes, which include Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) on your earnings. Staying informed about the latest tax updates, including sales tax changes, ensures compliance and maximizes potential refunds. Single filers, who are unmarried and do not qualify for other statuses, report income independently, though this status may offer fewer tax benefits. When you prepare your return on eFile.com this is all calculated for you.
The state charges a 6.25% sales tax, while local sales taxes can range up to 5.25%. The median effective property tax rate is 2.11% – higher than every state but New Jersey (2.33%). Self-employed individuals must calculate net earnings by deducting eligible business expenses from gross income. Additionally, contra asset account self-employed taxpayers are responsible for quarterly estimated tax payments, as Illinois does not withhold taxes from this income. Missing these payments can lead to penalties and interest, making proactive planning essential.
