The standard personal exemption is calculated using the basic exemption amount of $2,050 plus the cost-of-living adjustment.
- For tax year beginning January 1, 2021, it is $2,375 per exemption. If someone else can claim you as a dependent and your Illinois base income is $2,375 or less, your exemption allowance is $2,375. If income is greater than $2,375, your exemption allowance is 0.
- For tax year beginning January 1, 2020, it is $2,325 per exemption. If someone else can claim you as a dependent and your Illinois base income is $2,325 or less, your exemption allowance is $2,325. If income is greater than $2,325, your exemption allowance is 0.
If you (or your spouse if married filing jointly) were 65 or older and/or legally blind, the exemption allowance is an additional $1000, whichever is applicable. Please see the IL-1040 instructions for additional information. Note: For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, the Illinois exemption allowance is not allowed if a taxpayer’s federal adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $500,000 for returns with a federal filing status of married filing jointly, or $250,000 for all other returns.