Flat Tax’s Days Numbered?

The head of the nonpartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability last week called on lawmakers to end Illinois’ flat income-tax rate and shift to a graduated tax based on income levels.

“The state absolutely has to take this step,” said the center’s president, Ralph Martire, who was joined by several Democratic lawmakers in making the announcement. “It is crucial that … the state go to this graduated rate structure so that we can finally modernize taxation in Illinois and make it fair.”

Illinois is one of seven states that impose a flat tax rate. Martire and group of lawmakers called a graduated tax more “progressive.”

The state’s constitution mandates a flat tax system, so any change would require an amendment to it that must win approval by both the General Assembly and voters.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Tax Illinois
MORE FROM BOND BUYER