Self-Employment Tax for Illinois (2026)
Illinois (IL) Key Facts
Federal S E Tax Rate
15.3%
State Income Tax Rate
4.95%
Combined S E + State Rate
20.3%
S E Tax Components
12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare
How This Calculator Works in Illinois
This calculator estimates your total self-employment tax in Illinois, including the federal 15.3% SE tax and Illinois's state income tax. Enter your net SE income to see your liability.
Illinois Overview
Self-employed workers in Illinois pay the federal 15.3% SE tax plus state income tax at flat 4.95%, for a combined burden of approximately 20.3%. Illinois flat 4.95% rate makes estimated quarterly tax calculations straightforward for self-employed workers. No city income tax applies.
How Illinois Compares
Illinois's combined SE burden of 20.3% compares to Indiana at 18.4% and Wisconsin at 23.0%. State income tax creates meaningful differences between states.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 3.05% | Indiana has a state income tax on SE income rate of 3.05%. |
| Wisconsin | 7.65% | Wisconsin has a state income tax on SE income rate of 7.65%. |
| Missouri | 4.8% | Missouri has a state income tax on SE income rate of 4.8%. |
Illinois's state income tax on SE income rate of 4.95% compares to a national average of approximately 5.04%. This is below the national average.
Tips for Illinois Residents
- 1Federal self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) regardless of state.
- 2Illinois adds state income tax at flat 4.95% on self-employment income, for a combined rate of about 20.3%.
- 3Illinois flat 4.95% rate makes estimated quarterly tax calculations straightforward for self-employed workers. No city income tax applies.
- 4Deduct half of your SE tax on your federal return and track all business expenses to minimize net self-employment income.
- 5Consider whether an S-Corp election could reduce your SE tax burden if your net income exceeds $50,000-$60,000.