Illinois Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Illinois. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Illinois employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
IL SUTA
0.75% - 7.05%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for Illinois household employers
- Minimum wage: $15.00/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Personal exemption of $2,925
- No state disability or paid family leave program, but paid leave is required: 1 hour per 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year, more in Chicago
Illinois nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Illinois nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in Illinois, on top of your nanny's wages.
- Federal FICA: 15.3% combined, split between you and your nanny
- Federal FUTA: 0.6% effective on the first $7,000
- Illinois SUTA: 0.75% - 7.05%
- Illinois state income tax (when withheld)
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Illinois require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. Illinois has a state income tax, but withholding it from a household employee is optional unless your nanny asks for it.
- It is usually optional, and your nanny elects it on Illinois's W-4 equivalent
- If they do elect it, you owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes the W-2 you issued
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Illinois?
At least $15.00 an hour for a nanny in Illinois.
- That is Illinois's own minimum wage, above the federal $7.25 floor
- Some cities and counties may set a higher floor, so check your locality before you set a rate
- Overtime is 1.5x pay for hours over 40 in a week, under the FLSA
- Live-in nannies are exempt from FLSA overtime, but not from minimum wage
Does Illinois add disability or paid family leave premiums?
No. Illinois does not require state disability insurance or paid family leave for household employees.
- Your obligations are the federal baseline: FICA, FUTA and Schedule H
- Illinois state unemployment insurance still applies on the employer side
Why does my Illinois nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
Because they answer different questions. The calculator's employer total is what leaves your account; net pay is what lands in your Illinois nanny's.
- Federal FICA: 6.2% Social Security plus 1.45% Medicare, so 7.65% off the top
- Any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld
- Illinois income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
Your own share, the employer FICA match plus FUTA and SUTA, sits on top of gross pay rather than coming out of it.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax obligations may vary. Always verify current rates with your state's tax agency or consult a qualified tax professional.
Learn more
Illinois Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for IL household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Illinois compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Illinois Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with IL-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates Illinois taxes on every paycheck
All IL tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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