
Taxpayers whose federal adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) are not eligible to claim this tax benefit. Next, taxpayers can choose to file their taxes online, via mail, or with the help of a tax professional. Completing the Illinois Individual Income Tax Return (Form IL-1040) is essential for individuals, while businesses may need to file Form IL-1120 or other relevant forms depending on their structure. In Illinois, the tax structure is straightforward due to its flat tax system. Unlike some states that employ multiple tax brackets, Illinois only has one rate applicable to all income levels.
Scenario 1: A Business Owner and Renewable Energy Investment
There’s no specific payroll tax in Illinois, but employers are obligated to contribute to the state’s unemployment insurance fund. Cigarette tax avoidance costs states billions in forgone tax revenue and necessitates additional spending on enforcement of the ineffective policies. In the realm of the estate and gift tax, the basic exclusion for decedents in 2025 is $13,990,000. University of Illinois Tax School is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information.

Business Provisions
This, in turn, can positively impact your overall tax liability under the Illinois Tax Brackets 2025, aligning your financial well-being with a commitment to a greener future. The Simplified Tables do not include the Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are collectively referred to recording transactions as the FICA taxes. Please refer to the Detailed Tables below to see the fully loaded marginal rates that include FICA. If you have a lot of income that comes from non-work sources, like investments, the amount your employer withholds from your paychecks might not be enough to avoid ending up with a big tax bill. In this scenario, you may wish to fill out a new W-4 form and request that your employer withhold an additional amount from each of your paychecks. You can also pay estimated taxes every quarter to cover your bases with the IRS.

Common Illinois Forms & Schedules
Illinois generally conforms to federal itemized deduction rules, but with some state-specific considerations. It’s crucial to consult the most up-to-date Illinois tax guidelines for precise details on allowable deductions and limitations. Hopefully these tables helps you get a view of which marginal tax brackets you fall in and how best to optimize your contributions and deductions to minimze your total income tax liability. Samantha, a high-net-worth individual, has significant income from her investments. To reduce her taxable income, she donates appreciated stocks to her favorite charity. By doing so, she avoids paying capital gains taxes and reduces her income tax obligations for the year.
Income Tax Rate
- The following table provides an example based on projected figures; it is not definitive and should not be used for tax preparation.
- The Act specifies the frequency and method of remittance, varying with the employer’s total tax liability.
- For Illinois residents, the flat rate for income tax is 4.95% as of 2025.
- Illinois also has reciprocity with the neighboring states of Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin, which means those states don’t tax Illinois residents who work within their borders.
- Cigarette tax avoidance costs states billions in forgone tax revenue and necessitates additional spending on enforcement of the ineffective policies.
- These rates apply to your taxable income after deductions such as the standard deduction and itemized deductions.
The two most popular tax software packages are H&R Block At Home, sold by the H&R Block tax preparation company, and TurboTax Federal & State, sold by the Intuit software company. Both companies produce multiple editions for simple to very complex tax returns, so be sure to carefully compare the features offered by each package. For official forms and instructions, visit the Illinois Department of Revenue website, which provides up-to-date resources and guidance for taxpayers.

There is, however, a convenience fee for the use of a credit or debit card when paying your taxes. Ready to see how federal and state taxes compare for your specific situation? Illinois Income Tax did not increase for Tax Year 2024, with a constant tax rate of 4.95%. Prepare and e-File your Illinois Income Taxes here on eFile.com together with your Federal Income Tax Return. Per IRS/State regulation – not eFile.com – an Illinois state tax return can only be e-Filed together with an IRS tax return.
- Illinois offers several tax deductions and credits that can reduce your taxable income or lower your tax liability.
- Predicting future tax policy is inherently complex, influenced by a multitude of economic and political factors.
- Watch the video below to learn how to identify your 2024 federal income tax brackets.
- Illinois’ flat income tax rate means that every resident, regardless of income level, pays the same individual income tax rate of 4.95 percent.
- You also may qualify for exemptions for each dependent, further lowering taxable income.
Cigarette Smuggling Continues to Cost States Billions in Forgone Excise Tax Revenue
For example, proposals to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) have been consistently introduced, aiming to provide greater relief to low- and moderate-income families. The success of such proposals depends on factors such as the prevailing economic climate and the political priorities of the governing bodies. Should an EITC expansion pass, it would directly impact the disposable income of eligible taxpayers, potentially stimulating economic activity. Conversely, proposals for tax increases on higher earners, frequently debated, could lead to increased state revenue but might also influence migration patterns and investment decisions. The interplay between these economic and political factors determines the ultimate fate of proposed legislation. Illinois offers several other tax credits, including credits for veterans, those with disabilities, and those contributing to educational savings accounts.
The state of Illinois collects 66.5 cents for every gallon of regular gasoline. These taxes comprise a combination of sales tax, excise taxes paid at the pump and wholesaler/retailer taxes. Income from Illinois sources if your adjusted gross illinois income tax brackets income is higher than your Illinois exemption allowance. Corporations in Illinois are subject to a tax rate of 9.5% on their net income.
- Understanding these credits and their eligibility requirements is crucial for maximizing tax savings.
- Taxable income in Illinois is calculated by starting with your gross income and then subtracting allowable deductions and credits.
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a significant credit for low-to-moderate-income working individuals and families.
- Step 4 and the Illinois Expanded EITC Worksheet were updated to simplify claiming the Illinois EITC.
- The two most popular tax software packages are H&R Block At Home, sold by the H&R Block tax preparation company, and TurboTax Federal & State, sold by the Intuit software company.
What about sales and other taxes?

Illinois’ income tax rates were last changed one year prior to 2021 for tax year 2020, and the tax brackets have not been changed since How to Invoice as a Freelancer at least 2001. Illinois offers tax credits to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. This credit is available to individuals who invest in renewable energy systems for their homes or businesses, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
