Illinois 529 Plan Calculator
2026Illinois 529 plans in 2026: deduction of up to $10,000 ($20,000 on a joint return), per return; only the IL plan qualifies. Project your college savings growth.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology
Total College Cost
$176,766.87
With 4% inflation
Projected Savings
$58,861.83
Funding
33%
Funding Gap
$117,905.04
Monthly Needed to Fully Fund
$750.77
529 Plan Projection
| Years Until College | 13 years |
| Total College Cost (with inflation) | $176,766.87 |
| Current Balance | $0.00 |
| Total Contributions | $39,000.00 |
| Investment Growth | + $19,861.83 |
| Projected Savings at College | $58,861.83 |
| Funding Gap | $117,905.04 |
| Monthly Contribution Needed | $750.77 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Illinois 529 State Tax Benefit (2026)
Deduction of up to $10,000 ($20,000 on a joint return), per return.
Only Bright Start, Bright Directions and College Illinois! qualify. For rollovers in from another state's plan, the contribution portion is deductible; earnings are not.
The limit is per return across all Illinois plans, not per beneficiary. Contributors who don't own the account, such as grandparents, can deduct their own contributions. Deductions are recaptured on nonqualified withdrawals and on rollovers to another state's plan.
Illinois Tax & Education Facts (2026)
| State Income Tax | 4.95% (flat) |
| 529 State Tax Benefit | Deduction of up to $10,000 ($20,000 on a joint return), per return |
| Plans That Qualify | Only Bright Start 529 (direct-sold); Bright Directions (advisor-sold) |
| State Plan | Bright Start 529 (direct-sold); Bright Directions (advisor-sold) |
| State Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Avg. Property Tax Rate | 1.79% |
Official Sources: