How Illinois Sales Tax Works
Illinois imposes a 6.25% general merchandise sales tax. Illinois taxes different categories at different rates: general merchandise is taxed at 6.25% plus local additions, qualifying drugs and medical appliances remain at 1%, and the statewide 1% grocery tax is eliminated starting January 1, 2026 while approved local 1% grocery taxes may apply. Chicago is the extreme case with four layers totalling 10.25%.
Chicago Sales Tax vs. The Rest of Illinois
Chicago's 10.25% combined rate reflects four layers: 6.25% state, 1.75% Cook County, 1.25% City of Chicago, and 1% RTA. Cook County suburban cities typically run 9.25%–10.25%. Cities outside Cook County generally fall in the 7.5%–9% range. Springfield is 8.5%, Rockford and Aurora are 8.25%, Naperville and Peoria are 8.75%.
Illinois Grocery Tax
Illinois eliminated the statewide 1% grocery sales and use tax effective January 1, 2026. Municipalities and counties may impose a local 1% grocery tax if approved by IDOR. Restaurant meals, prepared food, candy, soft drinks, and alcohol remain taxable at general merchandise rates.
Illinois Online Sales Tax
Illinois requires out-of-state sellers with $100,000 in Illinois sales or 200 Illinois transactions in the preceding 12 months to collect Illinois sales tax. Illinois applies origin-based sourcing rules for in-state sellers, which differs from destination-based rules used by most other states.
How to Use This Illinois Sales Tax Calculator
For Chicago general merchandise, use 10.25%. For Springfield use 8.5%, Rockford 8.25%, Naperville 8.75%. Enter your amount, confirm the rate, and click Calculate. Use reverse mode to extract the tax from an Illinois receipt total.