Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax — simple, predictable, and applies to all income levels. Here is what Illinois freelancers and 1099 workers owe.
Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate — the same rate applies regardless of how much you earn. This makes Illinois tax planning simple and predictable. Note that Illinois has a very small personal exemption ($2,775 for single filers) instead of a standard deduction.
Use our 1099 calculator — select California from the state dropdown for your exact federal + state total.
Illinois allows only a $2,775 personal exemption — not a standard deduction like the federal $14,600. Illinois taxes nearly all of your income at 4.95%.
Several federal deductions do not reduce Illinois taxable income, including the QBI deduction and certain retirement deductions. Illinois tax may be higher than expected.
At 4.95%, every $10,000 of net income = $495 in Illinois tax. Easy to calculate.
Pay at mytax.illinois.gov. Same dates as federal: Apr 15, Jun 16, Sep 15, Jan 15.
Illinois generally conforms to federal retirement deductions. $20K SEP-IRA saves $990 in IL state tax alone.
Illinois conforms to federal home office rules. Both methods allowed.
Illinois conforms to federal mileage rules. 67¢/mile reduces IL taxable income.
Chicago does not have a city income tax on individuals — unlike NYC. Chicago residents pay the same 4.95% state rate.
These are estimates. Use the 1099 tax calculator with California selected for your exact number based on your deductions.
California has progressive rates from 1% to 13.3%. Most freelancers earning $50,000–$100,000 pay a 9.3% marginal rate. Use our 1099 tax calculator with California selected for your exact amount.
Yes. Pay federal quarterly estimated taxes at irs.gov/payments and California taxes at ftb.ca.gov. Same 4 deadlines: Apr 15, Jun 16, Sep 15, Jan 15.
Only $5,202 for single filers versus the federal $14,600. This means California taxes $9,398 more of your income than the IRS. At 9.3%, that costs you an additional $874 in state tax.
No. California does not conform to the federal 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. Your California taxable income will be higher than your federal taxable income as a result.
At $80,000 net income: save 38–42%. This covers federal SE tax (~14%), federal income tax (~18%), and California state tax (~8–9%). Use the 1099 calculator for your exact number.
ClickTaxEasy calculates your federal + Illinois quarterly payments automatically based on your tracked income.
Try ClickTaxEasy Free →Free: 2 questions/day · Pro $5/mo · Cancel anytime