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
0.25% - 6.8%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Illinois household employers
- Minimum wage: $15.00/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Flat state income tax of 4.95%
- State minimum wage is $15.00/hour
Illinois nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Illinois nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Illinois: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Illinois SUTA (0.25% - 6.8%). It also factors in Illinois state income tax (when withheld). Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Illinois require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Illinois has a state income tax. Withholding from household employees is typically optional unless your nanny elects it on the state's W-4 equivalent. If they do elect withholding, you will owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes copies of the W-2 you issued.
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Illinois?
Illinois's minimum wage is $15.00/hour, above the federal $7.25 floor. Household employees must be paid at least this rate. FLSA overtime (1.5x for hours over 40 in a week) applies to most household employees. Live-in nannies are FLSA-exempt from 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, Schedule H) plus Illinois state unemployment insurance.
Why does my Illinois nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Illinois, the gross-to-net difference comes from federal FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65% withheld from the employee), any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld, plus Illinois state income tax if elected on the state W-4. Your share — the employer FICA match and FUTA + SUTA — sits on top of the gross, not subtracted from it. The calculator separates "employer cost" (your total outlay) from "employee net pay" (what lands in their bank account).
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 handles Illinois taxes automatically
All IL tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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