The Tax Brief real effective rates for 111+ countries — bi-weekly, free.
TAX GUIDE

Illinois Property Tax vs Income Tax 2026: Highest Property Taxes, Flat Income Tax & Cook County Burden

At a glance

Key Facts

State Income Tax Rate
4.95% flat tax on all income (increased from 3.75% in 2017)
Average Property Tax Rate
1.88% of home value - tied with New Jersey for highest nationally (Tax Foundation, 2026)
Cook County Property Tax
Median effective rate 1.73% (Tax Foundation, 2024 estimate); varies widely by municipality
Senior Homestead Exemption
$8,000 reduction in Cook County and adjacent counties, $5,000 elsewhere in Illinois, for homeowners 65+; additional freeze available
Retirement Income Tax Treatment
Most retirement income exempt (pensions, 401(k), IRA, Social Security) but earned income taxed at 4.95%
Introduction

Illinois is tied for the highest property taxes in America (1.88% effective rate, tied with New Jersey) plus a 4.95% flat income tax. Combined, Illinois residents face one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation, particularly in Cook County and Chicago suburbs.

This guide explains Illinois tax rates, property tax assessment and appeals, exemptions for seniors and veterans, and strategies to reduce your Illinois tax burden.

Section 01

Understanding Illinois's High Tax Burden: Property Tax + Income Tax = Expensive

Illinois has earned its reputation as one of the highest-taxed states in America. The combination of a relatively high flat income tax (4.95%) and property taxes tied for the highest in the nation (1.88% average) creates a substantial tax burden for Illinois residents, particularly homeowners. **Illinois Tax Structure Overview** Illinois imposes taxes at two primary levels: **State Income Tax: 4.95% Flat Rate** Illinois applies a 4.95% flat tax to all income including: - Wages and salaries - Self-employment income - Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains) - Rental income However, Illinois DOES NOT tax: - Social Security benefits (completely exempt) - Retirement income from qualified plans (401(k), IRA, pensions) at any age, including early distributions - Railroad retirement benefits - Military retirement pay This makes Illinois more favorable for retirees than for working-age residents. **Property Taxes: 1.88% Average (Tied for Highest Nationally)** Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the United States: - **Illinois average:** 1.88% of home value - **National average:** 0.90% - **Tied with New Jersey** for the highest average effective rate in the nation (both 1.88%, per Tax Foundation's 2026 data) For a $300,000 home, Illinois's average property tax is $5,640/year compared to the national average of $2,700—a $2,940 annual difference. **Combined Tax Burden Example** Consider a middle-income Illinois family with $100,000 household income and a $350,000 home: **Illinois taxes:** - State income tax: ~$4,805 (single filer, after the $2,925 exemption) - Property tax: ~$6,580 (1.88% rate) - Total state/local tax: ~$11,385 (11.4% of income) **Compare to Texas (no income tax state):** - State income tax: $0 - Property tax: ~$4,900 (1.40% rate) - Total: $4,900 (4.9% of income) **Compare to Florida (no income tax, lower property tax):** - State income tax: $0 - Property tax: ~$2,730 (0.78% rate) - Total: $2,730 (2.7% of income) In this example, Illinois income tax plus property tax is roughly 2-4x the amount in the two no-income-tax examples above (sales tax not included). **Why Illinois Taxes Are So High** Several factors drive Illinois's high taxes: **Pension Crisis:** Illinois's state pension systems carry roughly $143.5 billion in unfunded liabilities (COGFA, FY2025), among the largest in the nation. Pension payments consume a massive portion of the state budget, forcing high taxes to cover both current services and past pension promises. **Cook County Burden:** Cook County (Chicago and suburbs) accounts for about 40% of Illinois's population; local factors that can raise property taxes include: - High labor costs for public employees - Expensive pension obligations - Large numbers of overlapping taxing districts **School Funding:** Illinois schools are funded heavily through local property taxes, which drives up property tax burdens in areas with good schools. **Outmigration:** Illinois has lost residents to other states on net in recent years, which can narrow the tax base. **Constitutional Constraints:** Illinois's constitution requires a flat income tax (not progressive), limiting the state's ability to raise revenue from high earners. A 2020 constitutional amendment to allow progressive taxation failed at the ballot. **Who's Hurt Most by Illinois Taxes?** **Working-age homeowners** face the full burden: - 4.95% income tax on all wages - 1.88%+ property tax on homes - Sales tax (6.25% state plus local taxes; the combined rate in Chicago is about 10.25%, rising to about 10.5% with the 2026 transit tax increase) **Retirees** fare better: - No tax on retirement income (pensions, Social Security, IRA/401(k)) - Still pay high property taxes, but senior exemptions help - Lower sales tax burden (retirees spend less) **High-income earners** benefit from flat tax: - 4.95% rate is lower than progressive-tax states' top rates - California's top rate: 13.3% - New York's top rate: 10.9% - Illinois saves high earners thousands compared to these states **Illinois Tax Competitiveness** Illinois is: **Less competitive than:** Florida, Texas, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington (no income tax states with lower property taxes) **More competitive than:** California, New York, New Jersey (higher income tax rates, though NJ's average property tax rate is about the same) **The bottom line:** Illinois is expensive for middle-class working families but manageable for high earners and retirees who can take advantage of flat tax rates and retirement income exemptions.
Section 02

Illinois Property Tax System: Tied for Highest in America

Illinois property taxes are imposed by overlapping local governments—counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts—creating effective rates that rank tied for highest nationally. **How Illinois Property Taxes Work** Illinois property taxes are calculated based on: 1. **Assessed Value:** Residential property is assessed at 33.33% of market value (10% for commercial/industrial) 2. **Equalized Assessed Value (EAV):** County multiplier adjusts assessments to ensure statewide consistency 3. **Tax Rate:** Sum of rates from all taxing districts, expressed per $100 of EAV **Example Calculation: Cook County Home** - Home market value: $400,000 - Assessment level: 10% (Cook County has used a 10% assessment level for residential property since 2009, versus 33.33% used in the rest of Illinois) - Assessed value: $40,000 - State equalization factor (illustrative, about 3.0): equalized assessed value (EAV) $120,000 - Combined tax rate: the sum of all taxing districts' rates, which varies by location - Assume an 8% rate for illustration: $120,000 × 0.08 = $9,600/year **Effective rate (illustrative): 2.4%** of market value This complex calculation confuses many homeowners, but the key takeaway is the final effective rate—how much you pay as a percentage of your home's market value. **Illinois Property Tax Rates by County** **Selected Counties (Tax Foundation median effective rates, 2024 five-year ACS estimates):** - **Lake County:** 2.26% - **McHenry County:** 2.26% - **Kane County:** 2.18% - **Will County:** 2.10% - **DuPage County:** 1.89% - **Cook County:** 1.73% - **Jackson County:** 1.84% - **Saline County:** 1.65% - **Alexander County:** 1.17% - **Hardin County:** 0.83% Rates vary widely within a county by municipality and school district. **Cook County Property Tax Burden** Cook County (5.1 million residents, about 40% of Illinois population) has complex property taxes: Because rates vary by municipality, school district and other taxing districts, check your own bill or the Cook County Treasurer for exact figures. The Tax Foundation's median effective rate for Cook County is 1.73% (2024 estimate). **Why Illinois Property Taxes Are So High** **Overlapping Taxing Districts:** Illinois has nearly 7,000 local government units—more than any other state (U.S. Census Bureau). A typical Illinois home is taxed by: - County government - Municipality (city, village, or township) - School district (elementary + high school, or unit district) - Community college district - Park district - Library district - Fire protection district - Sanitary district - Mosquito abatement district - Water district Some homes are taxed by 10+ overlapping districts, each with its own tax rate. **School District Taxes:** School districts typically account for the largest share of property tax bills. Illinois schools are funded heavily by local property taxes rather than state funding, driving up property tax burdens. **Pension Obligations:** Local governments, school districts, and public safety agencies have massive unfunded pension liabilities. Property taxes must cover both current salaries and past pension promises. **Property Tax Exemptions in Illinois** **General Homestead Exemption:** Reduces assessed value by $10,000 in Cook County, $8,000 in counties bordering Cook, and $6,000 elsewhere in Illinois. Available to all owner-occupied primary residences. File with county assessor's office; renews automatically. **Senior Homestead Exemption:** Homeowners age 65+ receive an additional reduction in assessed value of $8,000 in Cook County and adjacent counties, or $5,000 elsewhere in Illinois. Requires annual application. **Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze (Senior Freeze):** Freezes assessed value at the level when homeowner turns 65 (if household income is $65,000 or less). Prevents property tax increases from rising assessments, though tax rate increases still apply. This is Illinois's most valuable senior benefit. Example: - Age 65: Home assessed at $100,000, property tax $8,000 - Age 75: Home market value now $180,000, but assessed value frozen at $100,000 - Property tax: Still based on $100,000 assessment (plus rate increases) - Saves thousands annually in high-appreciation areas **Disabled Persons Homestead Exemption:** Additional $2,000 reduction for homeowners with disabilities. **Veterans with Disabilities Exemption:** Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive exemptions from $2,500 (30-49% disability) up to total exemption (100% disability or specially adapted housing grant). Illinois is generous to disabled veterans. **Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption:** Veterans returning from active duty in an armed conflict receive a $5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value for the year of return and the following year. **Appealing Your Property Assessment** Illinois property assessments can be inaccurate, so appeals are common. **When to Appeal:** - Your home's assessed value (after adjustment) exceeds market value - Your assessment increased significantly more than comparable homes - Recent sale price is lower than assessed value - Your home has defects or issues reducing value **How to Appeal:** 1. **File with County Assessor or Board of Review** (deadlines vary by county, typically May-July) 2. **Gather evidence:** Comparable sales, recent appraisal, photos of defects, assessment data for similar homes 3. **Submit appeal:** Many counties accept online appeals 4. **Hearing (if required):** Present evidence to Board of Review 5. **Decision:** Typically within 60-90 days 6. **Further appeal:** If denied, appeal to Property Tax Appeal Board or circuit court **Success Rate:** Many appeals result in reductions, but outcomes vary by county and property; check your county's Board of Review for current results. **Property Tax Relief Programs** **Property Tax Credit (Rebate):** Illinois offers a property tax credit of 5% of property taxes paid on your principal residence, with no dollar cap — though it's nonrefundable and can only reduce your tax owed to zero. Available to homeowners with federal AGI under $500,000 (married filing jointly) or $250,000 (all other filers). Claimed on Illinois state income tax return (Schedule ICR). Most homeowners qualify. Example: - Property taxes paid: $8,000 - Income: $120,000 (qualifies) - Credit: $8,000 × 5% = $400 - Reduces Illinois income tax by $400 **Senior Circuit Breaker Grant:** Illinois provides property tax grants to low-income seniors (65+) and disabled persons whose household income is under the program limit. Maximum grant: $750 (paid by the state, not a property tax reduction). The program is administered by the Illinois Department on Aging. **Total Tax Burden for Illinois Homeowners** For a middle-income family ($100,000 income, $350,000 home in suburban Chicago): - Illinois income tax: ~$4,805 (single filer) - Property tax: ~$7,700 (illustrative 2.2% rate) - Sales tax: ~$1,500/year (assumes about $19,000 of taxable purchases × 8% average rate; varies) - Total state/local tax: ~$14,005 (14.0% of income) This illustrates how property tax can outweigh income tax for Illinois homeowners.
Section 03

Illinois Income Tax: 4.95% Flat Tax on Most Income

Illinois imposes a 4.95% flat income tax on most types of income, but with significant exemptions for retirement income that benefit retirees. **What Illinois Taxes at 4.95%** - Wages and salaries - Self-employment income (net profits) - Interest and dividend income - Capital gains (short-term and long-term) - Rental income - Gambling winnings - Unemployment compensation **What Illinois DOES NOT Tax** **Social Security Benefits:** Completely exempt, regardless of income level. Illinois does not tax Social Security benefits. **Retirement Income:** Illinois exempts the federally taxed portion of qualified retirement income at any age, including early distributions: - 401(k) distributions - IRA distributions - Pension income (private, public, federal, state, local) - Annuity income - Self-employed retirement plans (SEP-IRA, SIMPLE, Solo 401(k)) This makes Illinois one of the most retirement-income-friendly states. **Military Retirement Pay:** Completely exempt, regardless of age or income. **Railroad Retirement Benefits:** Completely exempt. **Example: Illinois Retiree Tax Burden** Retiree age 68 with: - Social Security: $35,000 - Pension: $50,000 - IRA distributions: $20,000 - Part-time work: $15,000 - Total income: $120,000 **Illinois taxes:** - Social Security: $0 (exempt) - Pension: $0 (exempt) - IRA: $0 (exempt) - Part-time work: $15,000 × 4.95% = $743 - Total Illinois income tax: $743 (0.62% of total income) Compare to California, where the same retiree would pay roughly $3,500 in state income tax (California taxes pension, IRA and wage income but exempts Social Security). **Illinois's Flat Tax: Advantage for High Earners** Illinois's constitutional requirement for a flat tax creates an advantage for high-income earners: **Example: High Earner in Illinois vs. California** Taxpayer earning $500,000: **Illinois:** - State income tax: $24,750 (4.95%) **California:** - State income tax: ~$43,700 (single filer, wages, 2026) **Illinois advantage: about $18,950/year** For high earners, Illinois's flat 4.95% rate is lower than the top rates of these progressive-tax states: - California: 13.3% - New York: 10.9% - New Jersey: 10.75% - Oregon: 9.9% - Minnesota: 9.85% **Illinois Standard Exemption** Illinois provides a personal exemption of $2,925 per person (2026) rather than a standard deduction: - Single: $2,925 exemption - Married filing jointly: $5,850 ($2,925 × 2) - Additional $2,925 for each dependent Example family with 2 adults + 2 children: - Total exemptions: $11,700 ($2,925 × 4) - Income exempt from tax: $11,700 - Reduces taxable income On $100,000 gross income: - Exemptions: $11,700 - Taxable income: $88,300 - Tax: $4,371 (instead of $4,950 without exemptions) **No Itemized Deductions** Illinois does not allow itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, state/local taxes, medical expenses). This simplifies filing but eliminates tax planning opportunities available in most states. The only major deductions Illinois allows: - Retirement plan contributions (already pre-tax federally) - HSA contributions - 529 plan contributions (up to $10,000 single, $20,000 married) **Illinois K-12 Education Expense Credit** Illinois provides a 25% credit for qualified K-12 education expenses in excess of $250 per family, up to a maximum credit of $750 (available for federal AGI under $500,000 married filing jointly, $250,000 other filers). Qualified expenses: - Tuition - Fees - Books - Lab fees Expenses must be paid to the student's school; for qualified home schools only book rental and lab fees count. **Property Tax Credit** As mentioned earlier, Illinois provides a 5% credit for property taxes paid, with no dollar cap (nonrefundable — it can only reduce tax owed to zero). Claimed on Schedule ICR of Illinois tax return. **Illinois Earned Income Credit** Illinois offers a state EITC equal to 20% of the federal EITC. For 2026: - Maximum federal EITC: $8,231 (3+ children) - Maximum Illinois EITC: $1,646 (20% of federal) The credit is refundable, meaning you receive it even if it exceeds your tax liability. **Strategic Tax Planning for Illinois Residents** **Maximize 529 Contributions:** Illinois allows deduction of up to $10,000 (single) or $20,000 (married filing jointly) for contributions to Illinois 529 plans (Bright Start or Bright Directions). This is one of the few significant deductions Illinois offers. Example: - Married couple contributes $20,000 to 529 - Tax savings: $20,000 × 4.95% = $990 If you have children, maximize this deduction annually. **Retirement Plan Withdrawals:** Illinois subtracts the federally taxed portion of qualified retirement income at any age (including early distributions), so Illinois tax generally does not drive the timing of withdrawals. Federal tax and any federal early-withdrawal penalty still do. **Work Part-Time in Retirement:** Since retirement income is tax-free but earned income is taxed, retirees should be strategic about part-time work: - Remember that earned income is still taxed at 4.95% - Consider consulting through S corporation to minimize self-employment tax (federal benefit, no Illinois benefit) **Consider Location Within Illinois:** Income tax is the same statewide (4.95%), but property taxes vary dramatically. Living in downstate Illinois (property tax ~1.3%) rather than Chicago suburbs (property tax ~2.2%) saves ~$3,150/year on a $350,000 home.
💡

CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps us provide free tax calculators and comparison tools.Learn more about our affiliate partnerships

CPA Matching

Taxhub

★ 4.8verified reviews  Â·  3,758 reviews

Get matched with a licensed CPA or EA who specializes in your state's tax laws. Taxhub connects you with verified tax professionals for personalized state tax planning and preparation.

âš  Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.

Find a Tax Pro →
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Illinois's income tax rate for 2026?

Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% on most types of income including wages, self-employment income, investment income, and capital gains. However, Illinois completely exempts Social Security benefits, qualified retirement income (401(k), IRA, pensions) at any age, military retirement pay, and railroad retirement benefits. The 4.95% rate applies to all income levels (not progressive), which benefits high earners compared to states with progressive tax systems. Illinois's constitution requires a flat rate, and a 2020 ballot measure to allow progressive taxation was defeated by voters.

How high are Illinois property taxes compared to other states?

Illinois is tied with New Jersey for the highest average effective property tax rate in the nation at 1.88% of home value, per the Tax Foundation's 2026 data. The national average is 0.90%, meaning Illinois property taxes are about double the national average. For a $300,000 home, Illinois's average property tax is $5,640/year compared to the national average of $2,700. Property taxes are especially high in the Chicago metropolitan area: Cook County averages 2.15%, Lake County 2.38%, and DuPage County 2.19%. Downstate Illinois counties generally have lower rates (1.0-1.5%), but still above the national average.

Does Illinois tax retirement income like pensions and 401(k) withdrawals?

No, Illinois does not tax qualified retirement income, at any age. This exemption includes: 401(k) distributions, traditional IRA distributions, pension income (private, public, federal, state, local), annuity income, and distributions from self-employed retirement plans. Social Security benefits are completely exempt regardless of age or income level. Military retirement pay and railroad retirement benefits are also fully exempt. Early distributions from qualified plans and IRAs are also eligible for the Illinois subtraction (the federal early-withdrawal penalty may still apply). This generous treatment of retirement income makes Illinois attractive for retirees despite high property taxes.

What property tax exemptions are available for Illinois homeowners?

Illinois offers several property tax exemptions: (1) General Homestead Exemption: $10,000 reduction in assessed value in Cook County, $8,000 in counties bordering Cook, and $6,000 elsewhere in Illinois; (2) Senior Homestead Exemption: Additional $8,000 reduction in Cook County and adjacent counties, or $5,000 elsewhere, for homeowners 65+; (3) Senior Assessment Freeze: Freezes assessed value at age 65 level if household income is $65,000 or less, preventing tax increases from rising home values (saves thousands annually in appreciating areas); (4) Disabled Persons Exemption: $2,000 reduction; (5) Veterans with Disabilities: $2,500 to total exemption depending on disability rating; (6) Returning Veterans: $5,000 reduction for two years for veterans returning from armed conflict. Apply with your county assessor's office. Most exemptions renew automatically after initial application.

What is the Senior Assessment Freeze in Illinois?

The Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (Senior Freeze) freezes your home's assessed value at the level when you turn 65, preventing property tax increases from rising home values. To qualify: (1) Be 65+ years old; (2) Own and occupy the property as primary residence; (3) Have household income of $65,000 or less; (4) Must reapply annually. Example: At age 65, your home is assessed at $100,000. By age 75, your home's market value is $180,000, but your assessed value remains frozen at $100,000. You only pay property tax based on the $100,000 assessment (though tax rate increases still apply). This can save thousands annually in areas with appreciating home values. The Senior Freeze is Illinois's most valuable property tax benefit for seniors.

Should I appeal my Illinois property tax assessment?

Yes, you should consider appealing if: (1) Your assessed value exceeds your home's market value; (2) You recently purchased and your assessment is higher than purchase price; (3) Your assessment increased significantly more than comparable homes; (4) Your home has defects or issues reducing value. Outcomes vary by county. File with your county assessor or Board of Review (deadlines vary, typically May-July). Provide evidence: comparable sales, recent appraisal, photos of defects, assessment data for similar homes. Many counties accept online appeals. Even a 5-10% assessment reduction saves hundreds annually.

How do Illinois taxes compare to other Midwest states?

Illinois has higher total taxes than most Midwest states. Comparing to neighbors: (1) Wisconsin: Lower property tax (1.32% vs. IL 1.88%), higher income tax (progressive 3.54-7.65% vs. IL flat 4.95%); (2) Indiana: Much lower property tax (0.76% vs. 1.88%), lower income tax (flat 3.15% vs. 4.95%); (3) Missouri: Lower property tax (0.89% vs. 1.88%), comparable income tax (progressive up to 4.95%); (4) Iowa: Lower property tax (1.33% vs. 1.88%), higher income tax (progressive up to 6.0%); (5) Michigan: Lower property tax (1.19% vs. 1.88%), similar income tax (flat 4.25% vs. 4.95%). Overall, Illinois has the highest combined state + local tax burden in the Midwest, especially for working-age homeowners. Illinois is more competitive for high earners (flat tax helps) and retirees (retirement income exempt).

What is the property tax credit on my Illinois income tax return?

Illinois provides a property tax credit equal to 5% of property taxes paid on your primary residence, with no dollar cap — though it's nonrefundable and can only reduce your tax owed to zero. To qualify: (1) Own and occupy property as primary residence; (2) Have federal adjusted gross income under $500,000 (married filing jointly) or $250,000 (all other filers); (3) Pay Illinois property tax on the home. Claim the credit on Schedule ICR of your Illinois income tax return (Form IL-1040). The credit reduces your Illinois income tax liability dollar-for-dollar. Example: If you paid $8,000 in property taxes, your credit is $8,000 × 5% = $400, which reduces your Illinois income tax by $400. Most Illinois homeowners qualify for this credit—don't forget to claim it.

Why are Cook County property taxes so high?

Cook County property taxes are high (2.15% average, with some areas 2.5%+) due to multiple factors: (1) Overlapping tax districts: Homes are taxed by 10+ entities (county, city, multiple school districts, park district, library, fire, water, sanitary, mosquito abatement); (2) School funding: School taxes account for 60-70% of bills, and Illinois schools rely heavily on property taxes rather than state funding; (3) Pension crisis: Chicago Public Schools, Chicago city, and Cook County have massive unfunded pension liabilities requiring higher taxes; (4) High labor costs: Public employee salaries and benefits are expensive; (5) Population decline: As residents leave, remaining taxpayers must cover fixed costs with a smaller tax base. Additionally, Cook County's complex assessment system — a 10% assessment level for residential property since 2009, versus 33.33% used in the rest of Illinois — creates confusion and inequities compared to the simpler system used in most other counties.

Should I move from Illinois to a lower-tax state?

It depends on your specific situation. Consider: (1) Working-age homeowners: If you earn moderate income ($80K-$150K) and own a home in Chicago suburbs, moving to states like Florida, Texas, Tennessee, or Nevada could save $5,000-$10,000/year in combined income and property taxes. However, factor in cost of living differences, job market, schools, and quality of life. (2) High earners: Illinois's flat 4.95% tax is competitive with progressive-tax states. Moving may not save as much as you expect, especially if the new state has higher property taxes (e.g., Texas 1.40% vs. some Illinois counties). (3) Retirees: Illinois exempts retirement income but has high property taxes. Florida has zero income tax and lower property taxes (0.78%), saving retirees $3,000-$8,000/year. However, if you qualify for Illinois's Senior Assessment Freeze, the property tax burden is more manageable. Calculate your specific situation including all taxes, cost of living, and non-financial factors before deciding.
Disclaimer:This guide provides general information about Illinois property taxes and income taxes for 2026 and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws are complex and change frequently, and individual circumstances vary significantly. Property tax rates, exemptions, and appeal procedures vary by county. Always verify current rates and requirements with your county assessor, county treasurer, and the Illinois Department of Revenue (tax.illinois.gov). Consult a qualified Illinois CPA, tax attorney, or property tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Keep reading

Related Guides