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Illinois sales tax Calculator

Illinois has a uniquely layered sales tax system — a 6.25% state rate that applies differently to different product categories, combined with city and county taxes that push Chicago's combined rate to 10.25%, one of the highest in the nation for a major city, while downstate Illinois typically sits between 6.25% and 8.75%.

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Rates updated for May 2026

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation. Rates last verified May 2026.

Verify rates on May 2026

How it's calculated

Price × 0.1025 = sales tax owed (Chicago / Cook County example)
1

Start with the purchase price: $20,000.00

2

Multiply by the combined tax rate to get the tax amount: $2,050.00

3

Add tax to the purchase price for the total amount due: $22,050.00

Illinois sales tax rates by county

LocationCombined rate
Cook County (Chicago)10.25%
DuPage County7.75%
Lake County7%
Will County (Joliet)8.75%
Kane County (Aurora)8%
Winnebago County (Rockford)8.75%
Champaign County9%
Peoria County8.75%

Common examples in Illinois

Based on county rates shown above. Select your county in the calculator for a precise result.

Used car purchase

$12,000.00 purchase

$1,230.00

tax owed

New car purchase

$28,000.00 purchase

$2,870.00

tax owed

Electronics (laptop)

$1,000.00 purchase

$102.50

tax owed

Restaurant meal

$100.00 purchase

$10.25

tax owed

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Illinois?
Illinois's state sales tax rate is 6.25% on most goods, with a reduced rate of 1% on groceries and drugs. Local city and county taxes add significantly on top — Chicago's combined rate is 10.25%, while most downstate Illinois cities range from 7.25% to 9.25%.
What is the sales tax rate in Chicago, Illinois?
Chicago has a combined sales tax rate of 10.25% — one of the highest of any major US city. This includes the 6.25% Illinois state rate, Cook County's 1.75% rate, Chicago's 1.25% city tax, and a 1% Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) surcharge.
Does Illinois have a sales tax holiday?
Illinois has held temporary sales tax reductions rather than traditional holidays. In 2022, Illinois suspended the 1% grocery tax for a year. As of 2026, check the Illinois Department of Revenue for any current temporary reductions or holiday periods, as these are set annually by the legislature.
What is the sales tax on groceries in Illinois?
Illinois taxes most groceries at a reduced state rate of 1% instead of the standard 6.25%. Local taxes still apply on top, but the effective rate on unprepared grocery items is significantly lower than the standard combined rate. Prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate.
Do you pay sales tax on a used car in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois charges a private party vehicle use tax on used car purchases. The rate depends on the purchase price — for vehicles over $15,000 it is 6.25% plus any applicable local taxes. Purchases from licensed dealers are subject to the standard sales tax rate.
Why is Chicago's sales tax so high?
Chicago's 10.25% combined rate results from multiple overlapping tax layers: Illinois state tax, Cook County tax, Chicago city tax, and a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) surcharge funding the CTA, Metra, and Pace transit systems. Each layer was added independently over decades to fund different services and infrastructure.

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