FACT BRIEF

Is it certain that Craig Counsell will pay more in income taxes because he works in Illinois and not Wisconsin?

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

By Tom Kertscher

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Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell’s income tax won’t necessarily be higher because his new employer is in Illinois.

Counsell became the Chicago Cubs’ manager in November 2023 at $8 million per year. His 2023 Brewers salary was $3.5 million.

If Counsell makes his primary residence Illinois, which has a 4.95% flat tax, his bill would be roughly $396,000.

Counsell said he has no immediate plan to move from his suburban Milwaukee home.

Illinois and Wisconsin have tax reciprocity. If Counsell keeps Wisconsin as his primary residence, he would pay Wisconsin taxes — roughly $200,000 more.

Wisconsin’s highest income tax is $20,997 plus 7.65% on income above $405,550, for a total of roughly $602,000, if Counsell filed married filing jointly.

Illinois has higher rates than Wisconsin on average state and local sales taxes — 8.84% vs. 5.43%; and property taxes — effective rates on market value of owner-occupied property, 2.08% vs 1.61%.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

NBC Sports Chicago Craig Counsell's contract as Cubs manager shatters MLB record: report

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Craig Counsell continues on his free-agency tour. Where do the Brewers stand?

Illinois.gov Income Tax Rates

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 'It just became clear that I needed a new challenge': Craig Counsell explains why he went to the Cubs

Illinois.gov Should I file an income tax return if I live in another state but worked in Illinois?

State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue DOR Tax Rates

Tax Foundation 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index

Tax Foundation Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?

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