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Sales Tax Calculator Illinois — Free 2026

Calculate Illinois sales tax with the 6.25% state base rate. Click a city for local combined rates or enter your own.

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Chicago 10.25% Springfield 9.75% Peoria 9.5% Naperville 7.75% Rockford 8.81% State Base 6.25%

Sales Tax Breakdown

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Tax Amount
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Total With Tax
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Effective Rate
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Pre-Tax Amount

How It Works

  1. Enter purchase amount
  2. Select your city rate
  3. View results
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Understanding Sales Tax in Illinois

Illinois has a state base sales tax rate of 6.25% on general merchandise, but its complex system of overlapping local taxes can push combined rates well above 10%. Chicago holds one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the nation at 10.25%, making it significantly more expensive to shop there compared to suburban or downstate locations. The state also applies different rates to different categories of goods.

How Illinois Sales Tax Works

The 6.25% state rate applies to general merchandise. Counties, municipalities, and special districts (like the RTA in the Chicago area) add their own taxes. In Chicago, the combination of Cook County, City of Chicago, and RTA taxes adds 4% on top of the state rate. Downstate cities have lower local additions but can still reach 9-10% combined. For help calculating tips at restaurants, try the tip calculator.

Groceries and Exemptions

Unlike most states that fully exempt groceries, Illinois taxes qualifying food and drugs at a reduced state rate of 1% instead of 6.25%. Local taxes still apply on top of this, so grocery purchases in Chicago are taxed at about 2.25% total. Clothing is taxed at the full rate. Illinois does not offer any sales tax holidays. For all-states comparison, see the US Sales Tax Calculator.

State base rates shown. Local rates vary — use your receipt or city's website for exact combined rates. Groceries are taxed at a reduced 1% state rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Illinois's sales tax rate?
Illinois has a state base sales tax rate of 6.25% on general merchandise. Local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) add their own taxes, which can push the combined rate above 10%. Chicago has the highest combined rate in the state at 10.25%, one of the highest in the nation. Springfield is at 9.75% and Peoria at 9.5%.
Why is Chicago's sales tax so high?
Chicago's combined sales tax rate of 10.25% includes the 6.25% state rate plus multiple local taxes: Cook County tax, City of Chicago tax, Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) tax, and other local levies. These overlapping jurisdictions push Chicago's rate to one of the highest of any major US city.
Are groceries taxed in Illinois?
Yes, but at a reduced rate. Illinois taxes qualifying grocery food, drugs, and medical appliances at a reduced state rate of 1% instead of the standard 6.25%. Local taxes still apply on top of the 1% state rate. This means groceries in Chicago are taxed at about 2.25% total — much lower than the 10.25% on general merchandise, but not fully exempt.
Does Illinois have sales tax holidays?
No. Illinois does not currently offer any sales tax holidays. Unlike states like Texas, Florida, or Ohio that have back-to-school or other tax-free weekends, Illinois charges its full sales tax rates year-round on all taxable items.

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