Illinois

Sales Tax

  • Statewide: 6.25%
  • Counties can levy an additional sales tax of no more than 5.24%.
  • Current average sales tax (with local taxes included): 8.154%
  • Common Exceptions at State Level:
    • Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicine: 1%
    • Unprepared Foods: 1% (exempt from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023)
    • Prepared Foods: 8%
  • Gasoline Tax: 78.00 cents/gallon (Includes all state, local, and federal taxes)
  • Diesel Fuel Tax: 91.42 cents/gallon (Includes all state, local, and federal taxes)

 

Personal Income Tax

  • Personal Income Tax Rate Range: 4.95%
  • Standard deduction: None
  • Personal Exemption Allowance: $2,375. Dependent Exemption: $2,375 (additional $1,000 for 65 and over or blind). Phases out if Adjusted Gross Income is over $250,000
  • Itemized Deductions Allowed? Yes, subject to limitations.
  • Retirement Income
    • Social Security: Exempt
    • IRAs: Exempt
    • 401Ks/Defined contribution employer retirement plans: Exempt
    • Private pensions: Exempt
    • Public Pensions: Exempt
  • Military Pay
    • Active Duty Pay: Exempt
    • Military Retirement Pay: Exempt
    • Military Disability Pay: Exempt
    • VA Disability Dependency & Indemnity Compensation Benefits: Exempt
    • SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Exempt

 

Property Tax

  • Local municipalities average 2.27% of the property's assessed value.
  • Calculation of assessed value: Product of market value and equalized value computed by state.
  • Relief programs for:
    • Owner-occupied: Increase in assessed value over 1977 assessed value is exempt from taxation. Capped at $6,000 ($10,000 in Cook County)
    • 65 and over: Up to $5,000 ($8,000 in Cook County) of assessed value is exempt from taxation. 
    • 65 and over Freeze: Freezes assessed value for households with income less than $65,000. Can defer taxes.
    • Returning Veterans: $5,000 ($8,000 in Cook County) of assessed value exempt from taxation.
    • Disabled Veterans/Surviving Spouse (not remarried): Up to 100% exemption based on percentage of service-linked disability. Assessed value must be less than $250,000 ($100,000 reduction if specially adapted housing)
    • Disabled: $2,000 of assessed value exempt from taxation.
  • Personal Property Tax: No.
Property Tax Comments: Exemptions related to properties impacted by catastrophic events are available. Homestead improvement exemption available.

 

Inheritance & Estate Taxes: Estates over $4 million are taxed at a maximum rate of 16%. There is no inheritance tax.

 

Department of Revenue website: www2.illinois.gov/rev

More Financial Guidance From MOAA 

Premium and Life members can consult our financial staff for education and consumer advice.

 

Looking to get more out of your membership? MOAA has more than 400 chapters around the country. Get involved in your community by finding the one closest to you and joining today!