Project your retirement balance and annual tax savings in Illinois on a $80,000 salary contributing 6% with a 3% employer match. State income tax rate: 5.0%.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k) in Illinois?
In Illinois with a 5.0% state income tax rate, your traditional 401(k) contributions reduce both your federal and state taxable income — a powerful double benefit. For a $80,000 salary, contributing 6% ($4,800) saves approximately $1,294 per year in combined federal and state taxes. At minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match, then aim for 10–15% of gross pay.
What is the 2026 401(k) contribution limit?
The IRS 2026 401(k) elective deferral limit is $24,500 for employees under age 50. Workers aged 50 and older can make additional catch-up contributions, bringing their limit to $32,000 in 2026. These limits apply regardless of which state you live in — including Illinois. Employer matching contributions do not count toward these employee limits.
Does Illinois tax 401(k) withdrawals in retirement?
Illinois is one of a small number of states that does not tax 401(k) or pension distributions in retirement. This is an important advantage: your traditional 401(k) contributions avoid state tax both when you contribute (pre-tax) and when you withdraw in retirement. This makes Illinois an excellent state for retirement income.
Should I choose Traditional or Roth 401(k) in Illinois?
With Illinois's 5.0% state tax rate, the Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) decision depends primarily on your federal income bracket. Traditional contributions give an immediate tax break at your current combined rate; Roth contributions grow tax-free. Younger workers with lower incomes often favor Roth, while higher earners or those near retirement often prefer the Traditional pre-tax approach.