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Tax Planning

Illinois Estate Tax Overview

Understand Illinois estate tax, who it affects, and strategies to minimize it.

Illinois Estate Tax

Illinois imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $4 million. The tax ranges from 0.8% to 16% of the taxable estate.

Current Exemption

$4 million per person (2024). Illinois does not have portability, so married couples cannot combine exemptions without proper planning.

What's Included

  • Real estate
  • Bank and investment accounts
  • Life insurance death benefits
  • Retirement accounts
  • Business interests
  • Personal property

Tax Rates

Progressive rates from 0.8% to 16% on amounts over the exemption.

Planning Strategies

  • Credit shelter trusts for married couples
  • Lifetime gifting (annual exclusion: $18,000 per person in 2024)
  • Irrevocable life insurance trusts
  • Charitable giving
  • Qualified personal residence trusts

Need Personalized Guidance?

Every estate plan is unique. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand how illinois estate tax overview applies to your specific situation.