This Illinois paycheck calculator estimates your 2026 take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and Illinois’ flat 4.95% income tax, including the 2026 personal exemption of $2,925 for you, your spouse and each dependent.
Illinois income tax in 2026
| Item | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Tax rate | 4.95% flat |
| Exemption allowance | $2,925 each for you, your spouse and each dependent (up from $2,850) |
| Exemption limit | No exemption if federal AGI is over $250,000 ($500,000 married filing jointly) |
| Local income tax | None – Illinois cities, including Chicago, do not tax wages |
Illinois starts from federal adjusted gross income, so 401(k) contributions and pre-tax health premiums reduce your Illinois taxable income.
2026 federal taxes on every paycheck
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,751 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
The 2026 federal standard deduction is $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly and $24,150 head of household. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500, and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000.
Worked example
A single employee earning $75,000, paid every two weeks, with 5% going to a 401(k) and $2,400 a year in pre-tax health premiums in Illinois takes home about $2,065.99 per paycheck, or $53,716 a year.
Other Illinois taxes to know
Illinois has no local wage tax, but it has some of the highest property taxes in the US, and Chicago’s combined sales tax is 10.25%. Retirement income such as Social Security and most pensions is not taxed by Illinois.
How to raise your take-home pay
- Check your federal Form W-4 and Illinois withholding form so you are not over-withheld.
- Use pre-tax benefits such as a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account.
- Remember that 401(k) contributions lower your paycheck today but also lower your taxable income.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Illinois income tax rate for 2026?
A flat 4.95% on taxable income after exemptions.
How much is the Illinois personal exemption in 2026?
$2,925 per exemption, for you, your spouse if filing jointly and each dependent.
Does Chicago have a city income tax?
No. Chicago and other Illinois cities do not tax wages.
How do I change my withholding?
Give your employer a new federal Form W-4 and, if needed, a new Illinois withholding certificate. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you choose the right entries.
Related calculators
Sources
- USDA NFC: Illinois 2026 withholding change ($2,925 exemption)
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 federal brackets)
Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.