Compare state tax rates and rules — on income, ordinary purchases, gas, sin products, property, and more — across the U.S. Go to the Kiplinger Tax Map Illinois Add to State Compare List | View List View State Compare List (0) selected | Compare up to 5 The Bottom Line Least Tax-Friendly Illinois’ economic woes are one reason why the Prairie State tops our list of the least tax-friendly states in the country. The state ranks #50 in the latest ranking of states’ fiscal health by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and residents are paying the price with higher taxes.The state's 4.95% flat income tax rate actually isn't that high when compared to other states, but other taxes are a doozy. For example, property taxes in Illinois are the second-highest in the nation. On a $400,000 home in the state, the average annual property tax bill would be an eye-popping $9,634.Sales taxes are high, too. In some municipalities, combined state and local sales taxes exceed 10%. Most states exempt food and drugs from their sales tax, but that's not the case in Illinois. Sales Tax 6.25% state levy. Localities can add as much as 4.75%, and the average combined rate is 8.78%, according to the Tax Foundation. Food, prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs are all taxed at 1% by the state, and local tax may be due on these as well. Income Tax Range There is a flat rate of 4.95% of federal adjusted gross income after modifications.Effective tax rate: 4.95% for single filers, 4.63% for joint filers Motor Fuel Taxes Gasoline: $0.5387 per gallon (varies by county). Diesel: $0.6192 per gallon. Property Taxes In Illinois, residents pay an average of $2,408 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value. Vehicle Taxes Sales tax is 6.25% and up, depending on locality, on purchases of new cars. Private purchases of used cars are subject to a lower use tax that can vary by the age of the vehicle. Sin Taxes Cigarettes and little cigars: $2.98 per pack, Cook County has an additional tax of $3.00. Three localities, all in Cook County, add to that: Chicago ($1.18), Evanston ($0.50) and Cicero ($0.16).Snuff: $0.30 per ounceOther tobacco products: 36% of the wholesale price.Vapor products: 15% of wholesale price. $0.20 per milliliter in Cook County. $0.80 per unit plus $0.55 per milliliter in ChicagoBeer: $0.23 per gallonWine: $1.39 per gallon Liquor: $8.55 per gallon Taxes On Wireless Service 20.91% Inheritance and Estate Taxes Illinois has an estate tax with a $4 million exemption. The maximum estate-tax rate is 16%. About our methodology