Illinois Tax Burden 2025: What Residents Need to Know

Please Note: This article focuses specifically on Illinois and complements our broader analysis, "New Study on Tax Burdens: How Does Your State Measure Up?" For details on tax burdens across other states, we encourage you to explore that article as well.

While the financial impact of taxes varies greatly by state, Illinoisans continue to feel a significant pinch from state and local taxes in 2025. According to recent studies and reports from multiple sources, including WalletHub, CPA Practice Advisor, and Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois residents face one of the highest tax burdens in the United States. Here’s an overview of Illinois’ current tax situation and what it means for those living and working in the state.

How Illinois Compares Nationally

According to WalletHub’s 2025 analysis, Illinois ranks seventh highest nationwide for its overall state and local tax burden, with residents paying an average of 10.22% of their personal income in taxes. This figure encompasses income, property, and sales taxes, placing Illinois just behind New Jersey (10.30%) and notably above the national average (approximately 9.6%).

Breaking Down Illinois’ Tax Burden

Income Taxes

Illinois employs a flat-rate income tax system, currently set at 4.95% for individuals. While this rate seems straightforward, the state's actual income tax burden—after factoring in personal income levels and other variables—is approximately 2.63% of personal income.

According to CPA Practice Advisor’s updated 2025 rankings, Illinois ranks 16th nationwide in terms of its income tax burden. This positions Illinois below states known for steep income taxes, such as New York (5.76%), California (4.87%), and Maryland (4.47%), but above states that impose no income tax, like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.

Property Taxes

Illinois is particularly known for its high property taxes, and 2025 data continues to support this perception. The state ranks among the top ten nationally, with property taxes consuming about 3.81% of personal income—higher than the majority of other states (CPA Practice Advisor, 2025). Property tax burdens are notably steep in suburban Chicago areas, contributing significantly to the overall tax burden Illinoisans face.

Sales and Excise Taxes

Illinois has a sales tax system that significantly impacts consumers, ranking among the highest nationwide when combined with local excise taxes. In 2025, Illinois residents pay around 3.78% of their personal income toward sales and excise taxes. While not as high as states like Hawaii (7.17%) or Nevada (6.47%), the Illinois sales tax still contributes notably to the overall tax burden residents experience.

The Local Impact: A Closer Look

Illinois Policy Institute highlights a particularly important local consideration—property and sales taxes can vary widely within the state. Cook County and the greater Chicago metropolitan area often levy higher local sales and property taxes compared to other regions. Consequently, residents in these localities frequently bear a disproportionate share of the state’s overall tax burden.

Future Considerations and Tax Planning Strategies

With tax burdens remaining high in Illinois, residents and businesses must continue to plan strategically. Key strategies include:

• Careful consideration of property locations: Evaluating areas within Illinois where local tax rates are lower.
• Taking advantage of state-specific tax credits and deductions: Engaging with tax professionals to identify opportunities that mitigate the impact of high property and sales taxes.
• Tax-efficient retirement planning: Utilizing retirement savings strategies to maximize tax benefits under Illinois' current tax regime.

Looking Ahead

While Illinois’ tax burden remains high in 2025, it's critical for residents to stay informed about legislative proposals and local tax initiatives. The tax landscape is dynamic, and proactive planning can help Illinoisans effectively manage their financial commitments and possibly lessen their personal tax burdens.

For detailed tax planning guidance and strategies specific to Illinois, reach out to your Porte Brown advisor.

Sources:

• WalletHub: States with Highest & Lowest Tax Burden (2025)
• CPA Practice Advisor: How the 50 States Rank by Tax Burden (2025)
• CPA Practice Advisor: How the 50 States Rank by State and Local Tax Rates (2025)
• Illinois Policy Institute: Illinoisans to Pay Over 10% of Income to Taxes (2025)

Planning Strategies for Illinois Residents

1. Property tax relief: Explore exemptions (e.g., Senior Freeze, homestead exemptions, conservation abatements) to ease the residential tax burden.
2. Sales tax optimization: Strategically purchase big-ticket items during less-taxed jurisdictions or tax-free periods.
3. Retirement planning: Use IL and federal tax deductions, tax-deferred accounts, and consider moving post-retirement to potentially lower-tax counties.
4. Home location matters: Even within Illinois, location can mean a 1–2 % swing in total tax burden.
5. Professional advice: A tax advisor can help residents and remote workers model relocation decisions with tax impact in mind.