Illinois sales tax is 6.25% statewide, but your total rate depends on where you shop
Illinois has a base state sales tax of 6.25%, but that is not the final number you pay at checkout. Most counties and cities add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate. Your total sales tax can range from 6.25% to over 10%, depending on which county and municipality you are in. Some products—groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical equipment—are taxed at lower rates or not taxed at all.
The rate you pay matters because it changes the final price of everything from groceries to furniture. If you live near a county border, shopping in a different county can save you money on large purchases. Understanding which products are taxed and at what rate helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at the register.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois state sales tax is 6.25%, but local county and city taxes add 0% to 4% or more on top, making your total rate vary by location.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical devices are taxed at 1% instead of the full rate, or not taxed at all.
- Cook County (Chicago) has a combined rate of 10.25% in the city itself, while some rural counties stay near 6.5%.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Illinois Department of Revenue website or calling 217-782-3336.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
The 6.25% state rate is just the starting point. On top of that, your county adds a county sales tax (usually 0.5% to 2%), and your city or village may add a municipal sales tax (usually 0.5% to 2% more). Some special districts—like transit authorities or convention centers—add another 0.25% to 1%. These stack together, so a purchase in one location might be taxed at 6.25% + 1.5% (county) + 1.25% (city) + 0.5% (transit) = 9.5%.
The exact breakdown depends on your address. Two neighborhoods in the same city can have different rates if one falls in a special taxing district. This is why the Illinois Department of Revenue publishes a tax rate lookup tool on its website—you enter your street address and it shows you the combined rate for that exact location. If you do not have internet access, you can call the department at 217-782-3336 and provide your address to get your rate over the phone.
Products taxed at lower rates or not at all
Not everything in Illinois is taxed at the full local rate. Groceries—including bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, and meat—are taxed at only 1% instead of your full local rate. This applies to food you take home to cook, not prepared food or food eaten at a restaurant. Candy and soft drinks are taxed at the full rate because they are not considered groceries.
Prescription medications are not taxed at all in Illinois. Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed at the full rate. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor—such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and diabetic testing supplies—are also exempt or taxed at 1%, depending on the device. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the pharmacist or retailer; they can tell you what rate applies at the register.
Sales tax rates in major Illinois counties
| County | Major City | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Cook | Chicago | 10.25% (city); 8.25% (suburbs vary) |
| DuPage | Naperville, Wheaton | 8.25% to 8.75% |
| Will | Joliet | 8.25% to 8.5% |
| Lake | Waukegan | 8.5% to 8.75% |
| Kane | Aurora | 8.25% to 8.75% |
| Peoria | Peoria | 7.25% |
| Madison | Edwardsville | 7.75% |
| Sangamon | Springfield | 7.5% |
These rates are current but can change when municipalities vote to adjust local taxes. The rates shown are for the major city in each county; smaller towns and villages in the same county may have slightly different rates. Always verify your exact rate before making a large purchase, especially if you are near a county line.
The variation between counties reflects different funding needs and local decisions about how to support schools, roads, and public services. A county with higher property tax revenue may keep sales tax lower, while another may rely more heavily on sales tax. This is why two Illinois residents can pay significantly different rates on the same item.
How to find your exact local sales tax rate
The fastest way to find your rate is to use the Illinois Department of Revenue Sales Tax Rate Lookup on its official website. Enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and the tool shows your combined state, county, and local rate. This is the most accurate method because it accounts for special taxing districts that affect your specific address.
If you do not have internet access, call the Illinois Department of Revenue at 217-782-3336 and give them your address. You can also ask a cashier at any store in your area—they see the rate applied to every transaction and can tell you what you are paying. For online purchases shipped to Illinois, the retailer is required to charge your local sales tax based on your delivery address.
Why sales tax rates change and when to check again
Illinois municipalities vote on sales tax increases or decreases throughout the year, usually to fund schools, roads, or public services. A rate that was accurate six months ago may have changed. If you are planning a large purchase—furniture, appliances, or a car—it is worth checking your current rate first, especially if you have not looked in several months.
Some cities also run temporary sales tax holidays for specific items like school supplies or energy-efficient appliances. These are announced in advance and published on the Illinois Department of Revenue website. Signing up for local city or county email alerts can help you stay informed about rate changes and special tax periods in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a sales tax holiday in Illinois?
Illinois does not have a permanent statewide sales tax holiday, but some municipalities run temporary exemptions for specific items like school supplies or energy-efficient products. Check your city or county website or the Illinois Department of Revenue site for announcements about upcoming holidays in your area.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases shipped to Illinois?
Yes. Online retailers are required to charge sales tax on items shipped to Illinois addresses. The tax rate applied is based on your delivery address, not where the retailer is located. This applies to most major retailers, though some smaller sellers may not yet be collecting it.
Are clothes and shoes taxed in Illinois?
Yes, clothing and shoes are taxed at your full local sales tax rate in Illinois. There is no clothing exemption. This includes everyday items like shirts, pants, and sneakers, as well as specialty clothing.
What is the difference between the state rate and what I actually pay?
The 6.25% state rate is only part of your bill. Your county and city add their own taxes on top, which is why your receipt shows a higher total. For example, in Chicago you pay 10.25% total: 6.25% state plus 1.25% county plus 2.25% city plus 0.5% transit.
Do I need to pay sales tax if I buy something out of state and bring it to Illinois?
No. Sales tax is paid where the purchase happens. If you buy something in another state and bring it to Illinois, you do not owe Illinois sales tax on it. However, some states have "use tax" laws that technically explore to out-of-state purchases, though they are rarely enforced for personal items.