IL-IA Tax Reciprocity 2026

IL-IA reciprocity covers the Quad Cities (Moline/Rock Island IL - Davenport/Bettendorf IA) and Dubuque/Galena corridors. Iowa has exactly one reciprocity agreement, and it is with Illinois.

Quick answer: Yes - IL and IA have a reciprocal tax agreement. IL residents working in IA file form IA 44-016 (Employee’s Statement of Nonresidence in Iowa) with their Iowa employer and pay only IL tax. IA residents working in IL file IL-W-5-NR and pay only IA tax.

How It Works Both Directions

ScenarioForm To FileResult
Live IL, work IAIA 44-016 (to skip IA)No IA withholding. Pay IL tax only.
Live IA, work ILIL-W-5-NR (to skip IL)No IL withholding. Pay IA tax only.

Worked Example

Megan lives in Moline IL, works in Davenport IA, earns $70,000. With reciprocity: she files IA 44-016 with her Iowa employer. IA withholds $0. IL withholds ~$3,465 (4.95% flat). She files only an IL resident return (IL-1040). Without the form: IA would withhold ~$2,660 (3.8%), she would file an IA nonresident return to get it back plus an IL return with a credit - same total tax, two filings and months of waiting on the refund.

Step-by-Step: Claim the Exemption

  1. Download the work-state exemption form (IA form 44-016 for IL-residents-working-in-IA; IL form IL-W-5-NR for IA-residents-working-in-IL).
  2. Fill in name, SSN, home address (must be in the reciprocity state), and current date.
  3. Submit to HR/payroll at your employer.
  4. Verify on your next paystub that work-state tax withholding is $0.
  5. Update your home-state W-4 to make sure you withhold enough for full income tax.
  6. File only a resident return in your home state next April (unless you have non-wage work-state income).

OBBBA 2026 Note

OBBBA 2026 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) raised the federal SALT cap to $40,000. This matters for reciprocity commuters who itemize: your full home-state income tax is now more likely to be fully deductible on federal Schedule A, making the state-level tax difference between your home and work state a real after-tax driver of commute value. Check each state rate: IL top rate 4.95% flat, IA top rate 3.8% flat.

FAQ

Which states does Iowa have tax reciprocity with?

Illinois only. Iowa’s sole reciprocity agreement is with Illinois. Iowa residents working in any other state (including Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin) must withhold in the work state and claim a credit on the IA return.

Which form does an Illinois resident working in Iowa file?

File IA form 44-016 (Employee’s Statement of Nonresidence in Iowa) with your Iowa employer. The employer keeps it on file and stops withholding Iowa tax. Keep a copy for your records.

Iowa moved to a flat tax - does that change reciprocity?

No. Iowa’s move to a 3.8% flat rate (effective 2025) does not affect the agreement. IL residents working in IA still pay IL’s 4.95% flat rate on those wages; IA residents working in IL still pay Iowa’s 3.8%.

Does IL-IA reciprocity cover gambling winnings at Iowa casinos?

No. Reciprocity covers W-2 wages and salaries only. Iowa-source gambling winnings of an IL resident remain taxable by Iowa and may require an IA nonresident return. The same applies to IA rental income or business income.

What if my Iowa employer already withheld Iowa tax this year?

File an Iowa nonresident return for the year (IA 1040 with the IA 126 nonresident credit schedule) reporting the wages as exempt under reciprocity to get a full refund. Then submit form 44-016 now so the rest of the year withholds Illinois tax instead.

Model Your Take-Home

See exact post-reciprocity paycheck with IL or IA withholding.

Paycheck Calculator →

Run the numbers for each state: Illinois Income Tax Calculator · Iowa Income Tax Calculator

Other reciprocity pairs:
IL-KY · IL-MI · IN-MI · IN-WI · MI-WI · MI-MN · Full matrix

Tax calculations are estimates for educational and informational purposes only. This site does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Data sourced from IRS publications and official state tax authority websites.

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