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Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in Chicago, IL 2026

Calculate your alimony paid (pre-2019) tax savings in Chicago, Illinois. With Illinois's 4.95% state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

Illinois Tax Context

State Income Tax
4.95%
Local Income Tax
None
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Tax Burden
Very High

Very high combined sales tax (10.25%); high property taxes; flat 4.95% state income tax

$1,348
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
26.9%
Combined Tax Rate

Alimony Paid (pre-2019) Savings Calculator for Chicago

$
$

Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Illinois State

$248

4.95% rate

Local Tax

$0

0% rate

Total Savings

$1,348

26.9% combined

At a 26.9% combined tax rate in Chicago, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $270 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Chicago

10%
$748
12%
$848
22%
$1,348
24%
$1,448
32%
$1,848
35%
$1,998
37%
$2,098

Includes 4.95% Illinois state tax on top of federal savings.

Eligibility Requirements

Available to individuals who pay alimony under divorce or separation agreements executed before January 1, 2019.

  • 1Divorce or separation agreement must be executed before 2019
  • 2Payments must be in cash or cash equivalent
  • 3Payments must not be designated as non-alimony
  • 4Spouses cannot file a joint return together
  • 5Payments must cease upon recipient's death

Illinois residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 4.95%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • !Claiming deduction for agreements after 2018 (no longer deductible)
  • !Including child support payments as alimony
  • !Not reporting recipient's SSN on tax return
  • !Confusing property settlements with alimony
  • !Forgetting to claim the deduction on your Illinois state return (missing 4.95% additional savings)

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040 Schedule 1

File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the alimony paid (pre-2019). Illinois may require additional state-specific forms.

Other Tax Deductions in Chicago, IL

Alimony Payments (Pre-2019 Agreements)

Personal

~$22,050
est. savings

Casualty and Theft Loss (Federal Disaster)

Personal

~$18,375
est. savings

Casualty and Theft Losses

Personal

~$3,675
est. savings

Adoption Expenses

Personal

~$9,800
est. savings

Impairment-Related Work Expenses

Personal

~$3,675
est. savings

Tax Preparation Fees (State)

Personal

~$490
est. savings

Casualty and Theft Loss (Federally Declared)

Personal

~$6,125
est. savings

Qualified Disaster Losses

Personal

~$12,250
est. savings

Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in Other Illinois Cities

Aurora, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Joliet, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Naperville, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Rockford, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Elgin, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Springfield, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Peoria, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Waukegan, IL

4.95% state tax

~$6,125
+4,777 vs Chicago

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Chicago

Use our free tax calculators to optimize your entire tax return for Illinois.

Income Tax CalculatorTaxes in ChicagoFull Alimony Paid (pre-2019) Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, Illinois, the alimony paid (pre-2019) can save you an estimated $1,348 per year. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $248 in Illinois state tax savings. The national average savings is $5,000/year.

What is the Illinois state income tax rate for Chicago residents?

Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate. Chicago residents have no additional local income tax. Very high combined sales tax (10.25%); high property taxes; flat 4.95% state income tax

Who qualifies for the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in Chicago?

Available to individuals who pay alimony under divorce or separation agreements executed before January 1, 2019.. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Chicago or elsewhere in the U.S., as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your savings amount will vary based on Illinois's 4.95% state tax rate.

What tax forms do I need to claim the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in Illinois?

To claim the alimony paid (pre-2019), you need to file Form 1040 Schedule 1 with your federal return. Illinois residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return, which could provide an additional 4.95% savings. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

Is the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) better in Chicago than in states without income tax?

Yes, Chicago residents benefit more because Illinois's 4.95% state income tax means the deduction reduces both your federal AND state tax liability. In states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Nevada), this deduction only reduces federal taxes. Your combined rate of 26.9% means more savings per dollar deducted.

Related Calculators

Alimony Payments (Pre-2019 Agreements) in Chicago

Avg savings: $18,000/year

Casualty and Theft Loss (Federal Disaster) in Chicago

Avg savings: $15,000/year

Casualty and Theft Losses in Chicago

Avg savings: $3,000/year

Adoption Expenses in Chicago

Avg savings: $8,000/year

Impairment-Related Work Expenses in Chicago

Avg savings: $3,000/year

Tax Preparation Fees (State) in Chicago

Avg savings: $400/year