Use our Illinois Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions, and get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Illinois Paycheck is Calculated
Your paycheck reflects how much of your earnings you keep after taxes and deductions. The basic formula is:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s what each part means:
- Gross Pay: The total amount you earn before taxes or deductions.
- Federal Income Tax: A tax based on IRS income brackets, filing status, and allowances.
- FICA Taxes: Deductions for Social Security and Medicare.
- State Income Tax: Illinois’ flat-rate tax withheld from your paycheck.
- Local Taxes: Additional taxes that may apply in certain Illinois cities or counties.
A Guide to Illinois State Payroll Taxes
Illinois State Income Tax
Illinois has a flat state income tax rate, meaning everyone pays the same percentage regardless of income level. For 2025, the state income tax rate is 4.95 percent.
| Taxable Income | 2025 Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| All income levels | 4.95% |
Standard Deduction (2025):
- Single filers: 2,775 dollars
- Married filing jointly: 5,550 dollars
In addition, Illinois provides a personal exemption of 2,775 dollars per taxpayer and dependent. These deductions help reduce your taxable income, lowering the total tax withheld from your paycheck.
State-Specific Programs & Withholdings
Illinois does not require employees to pay into a state disability insurance (SDI) program. However, employers contribute to state unemployment insurance (SUI), which is not deducted from employee wages.
The state also has the Illinois Secure Choice program, a retirement savings plan for private-sector employees who do not have access to an employer-sponsored plan. Participation is automatic for eligible workers, though employees can opt out.
Understanding Federal & FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes apply nationwide and make up a major part of every paycheck.
- Social Security Tax: 6.2 percent of wages, up to 168,600 dollars for 2025.
- Medicare Tax: 1.45 percent of all wages, with an extra 0.9 percent applied to income above 200,000 dollars.
These contributions fund federal social insurance programs and are matched by employers.
Local Taxes in Illinois
Illinois allows some local governments to impose additional income or payroll taxes. Chicago, for example, does not levy a local income tax, but certain other municipalities or school districts may apply small local taxes. Whether you live in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, or Aurora, you’ll typically only see state and federal withholdings unless your city or county specifies otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Illinois Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Illinois?
In 2025, the Illinois minimum wage is 14 dollars per hour for most workers. Employees in Chicago and Cook County may earn higher rates due to local ordinances.
How often are paydays in Illinois?
Most employers in Illinois pay employees semi-monthly or bi-weekly. The state requires wages to be paid at least twice a month for most workers.
What is the Illinois state tax rate for 2025?
Illinois applies a flat state income tax rate of 4.95 percent to all taxable income in 2025.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Illinois taxes?
Yes. Independent contractors are responsible for paying both state and federal income taxes directly. They must also cover self-employment taxes, which include the full share of Social Security and Medicare contributions.
What are the overtime laws in Illinois?
Under Illinois and federal law, non-exempt employees must receive 1.5 times their regular pay rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Disclaimer: This Illinois Paycheck Calculator provides general estimates based on 2025 tax rates and current payroll laws. It is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. For specific guidance, consult a professional tax advisor or payroll specialist.
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