Taxes

In Illinois, state and local taxes are currently “regressive.” Working-class and middle-class families paying a disproportionate share of their incomes in taxes. Research shows that a number of reforms could reduce tax burdens for working families and support broad-based economic prosperity.

8th most unfair state and local tax system in the country
18th rank in total state government tax revenue per capita
7th rank in the nation in property tax collections per capita

Property taxes are relatively high and regressive in Illinois.

Local school districts depend on property taxes, which account for 63% of all K-12 education funding.

Middle-class homeowners pay 6% of their incomes in property taxes compared to just 1% for millionaires.

To stem property tax growth, Illinois could increase state funding for K-12 education and consolidate townships.

Illinois is one of only 8 states that has a flat-rate income tax system.

  • The Top 1 Percent takes home 65 times as much as the average taxpayer in the Bottom 99 Percent, but pays the same tax rate.

  • A “millionaire’s tax” – which is more popular than the “Fair Tax” – would raise over $1 billion.

  • Expanding the state’s Earned Income Credit would reduce tax burdens for working families.

When Illinois’ cannabis legalization effort reaches its full potential with an expansion of licenses available for businesses, the state will bring in $500 million in total tax revenue annually. In Fiscal Year 2022, Illinois generated $445 million in state tax revenue, which is more than the state collected in liquor tax revenues ($320 million).

Impact on Illinois legalizing Marijuana. 66% of illinois voters support legalization, including majorities of BOTH republicans and democrats.

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