Sales Tax for Illinois (2026)
Illinois (IL) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
6.25%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in Illinois
This calculator estimates the Illinois sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 6.25%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
Illinois Overview
Illinois has a 6.25% state sales tax rate, but combined rates reach 10.25% in Chicago — among the highest in any major U.S. city. The state uses a two-tier system, taxing groceries and medicine at just 1% while applying the full rate to general merchandise. The Chicago-area rate stacks state, Cook County, city, and RTA taxes.
How Illinois Compares
Illinois's sales tax rate of 6.25% compares to Indiana at 7% and Wisconsin at 5%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 7% | Indiana has a sales tax rate of 7%. |
| Wisconsin | 5% | Wisconsin has a sales tax rate of 5%. |
| Missouri | 4.225% | Missouri has a sales tax rate of 4.225%. |
Illinois's sales tax rate of 6.25% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is above the national average.
Tips for Illinois Residents
- 1Illinois's combined sales tax can reach 10.25% in Chicago — one of the highest combined rates of any major U.S. city.
- 2Groceries are taxed at a reduced 1% state rate in Illinois, but local taxes still apply, so the total on food is typically 2-3%.
- 3Illinois applies the full 6.25% state rate to general merchandise but only 1% to qualifying food, drugs, and medical appliances.
- 4Cook County adds several layers of taxes — county, city, RTA, and special district — making Chicago-area rates significantly higher than downstate.
- 5Illinois holds a back-to-school sales tax holiday with reduced rates on clothing and school supplies in August.