IRS data show more taxpayers fleeing Illinois

Internal Revenue Service migration data for the 2010 tax year shows that Illinois continues to lose people to other states. Illinois had a net loss of 49,000 residents to other states, along with a net loss of $1.9 billion in personal income. Not only did Illinois lose more people than it gained, but the state also...

Internal Revenue Service migration data for the 2010 tax year shows that Illinois continues to lose people to other states.

Illinois had a net loss of 49,000 residents to other states, along with a net loss of $1.9 billion in personal income.

Not only did Illinois lose more people than it gained, but the state also lost higher-income earners. The average taxpayer who left Illinois earned $55,000 per year, while the average taxpayer who entered Illinois earned $49,000 per year.

The IRS statistics tell the story of people voting with their feet. Once again, Illinoisans voted to uproot their families and pursue their futures in other states. Illinois had a net loss of residents to 42 of the 50 states.

The Lone Star State led the way for gaining Illinois residents, with Florida not far behind. The top 15 states that gained Illinoisans included all five of Illinois’ border states, along with four zero-income tax states.

With the worst jobs recovery in the Midwest, the third-highest jobless rate nationally and another year of losing its residents, Illinois leaders need to embrace economic reform.

The goal for legislators should be to create a state where entrepreneurs can start their businesses without excessive taxation and regulation. That way, small businesses can grow and create opportunities locally. The result will be that Illinois residents won’t have to leave to find a new job in another state.