Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Illinois Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Illinois. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, and when combined with the average local rate of 2.73%, the total average in Illinois comes to 8.98%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Illinois Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6.25%
- Avg Local Rate
- 2.73%
- Combined Average
- 8.98%
Quick Reference
Illinois eliminated its 1% state grocery tax on January 1, 2026, but authorized municipalities to impose a local 1% grocery tax in its place.
State income tax: 4.95% top rate
How Illinois's Sales Tax Stacks Up
At 8.98% combined (state plus average local), Illinois's sales tax ranks 8th-highest nationally — above the national median of 7%.
The 6.25% state rate does most of the work in Illinois, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 2.73%.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Indiana (7%); Iowa (6.94%); Missouri (8.445%); Wisconsin (5.72%). Wisconsin has the lowest nearby rate at 5.72%.
Illinois Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 8.98% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.90 | $10.90 |
| $25 | $2.25 | $27.25 |
| $50 | $4.49 | $54.49 |
| $100 | $8.98 | $108.98 |
| $250 | $22.45 | $272.45 |
| $500 | $44.90 | $544.90 |
| $1,000 | $89.80 | $1089.80 |
| $2,500 | $224.50 | $2724.50 |
| $5,000 | $449.00 | $5449.00 |
Understanding Illinois Sales Tax
Sales tax in Illinois is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6.25% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 2.73% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Illinois, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $239,800 and a property tax rate of 2.07%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in Illinois
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Illinois state sales tax — the 1% state grocery tax ended January 1, 2026; municipalities may impose their own 1%.
Prescription medicines are exempt in Illinois, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect Illinois tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.