Progressive Tax Resource Center

On behalf of our members and businesses throughout the state, the Illinois Chamber is dedicated to providing information, resources and advocacy to help fight the constitutional amendment that would overturn our current fair flat income tax.

Main Points

• The Illinois Constitution currently requires a flat state income tax which means all individuals pay the same rate, currently 4.95%, and all corporations pay the same rate, currently 7%. A graduated income tax allows legislators to determine different rates for both individuals and corporations based on income earned.

• In May 2019, the legislature approved a ballot referendum question calling for a constitutional amendment to change Illinois’ constitution from a flat income tax to a progressive income tax.  As a result, voters will be asked in the upcoming 2020 election whether Illinois should amend the constitution to move from a flat tax income to a progressive income tax. 

• The amendment also repeals a critical taxpayer protection: the constitutional ban of more than a single tax on income. Future general assemblies will be allowed to tax the same dollar of income over and over.

• Although the ballot question does not contain the new tax brackets, a separate piece of legislation establishing the rates under a progressive income tax system was approved by both Houses in the General Assembly and signed by the governor. Under the proposal, corporate income would be taxed at flat rate of 10.49%, the third-highest rate in the nation, while the highest bracket for pass-through business income would be taxed at 9.49%, the fourth highest in the nation. These rates will only go into effect if the voters approve the ballot referendum question.

• It is difficult, if not impossible, to install a progressive income tax that raises substantial new revenues, without significantly increasing the tax burden on the middle class.

• Given the adverse effect this proposal would have on job creators, the Chamber will be undertaking a number of advocacy efforts to inform voters of the misinformation about progressive income taxes and the damage a graduated income taxes would inflict on Illinois taxpayers.

• Please visit the links on the side to learn more about the progressive income tax, how it could affect you, and how you can get involved.

Media

• Chicago Tribune: Closing arguments, Part One: Why voters should reject Pritzker Tax
• Chicago Tribune: Pritzker’s graduated tax follies: He opened his wallet but closed his ears
• Chicago Tribune: Illinois Chamber of Commerce study forecasts job cuts to women and minorities, shrinking economy with graduated income tax. Advocates say not so fast.
  
• The Center Square: Progressive income tax hits women and minorities hardest, 'Fair Tax' group disagrees