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Illinois Sales Tax Calculator

Free Illinois sales tax calculator for 2026. Calculate sales tax at 6.25% state + 2.61% average local = 8.86% combined rate. Includes reverse calculator and tax-exempt items. No sign-up required.

How Illinois Sales Tax Works

Illinois charges a 6.25% state sales tax rate. On top of that, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) add their own taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 8.86%. That means on a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay approximately $88.60 in sales tax for a total of $1088.60.
The Illinois state rate of 6.25% applies uniformly across the state, but local surtaxes vary significantly by location. The average local rate across IL is 2.61%, but some cities and counties charge more or less than this average. This calculator uses the average local rate, but you can override it with your specific city rate for a more accurate calculation.
Good news: Illinois exempts groceries, prescription drugs from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax in Illinois. These exemptions can make a real difference in your annual spending, especially on groceries which are a recurring expense for every household.
Need to work backwards? If you have a total receipt and need to find the original price before tax, use the reverse sales tax formula: divide the total by (1 + tax rate). For example, a $1088.60 total with 8.86% tax means the original price was $1,000 ($1088.60 ÷ 1.886). This is useful for expense reports and bookkeeping.
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect Illinois sales tax on purchases shipped to IL residents. Most online purchases now include Illinois sales tax based on the buyer's location, including any applicable local taxes.

Illinois Sales Tax Key Rates (2026)

Illinois State Rate

6.25%

Illinois Avg Local Rate

2.61%

Illinois Combined Rate

8.86%

Tax on $1,000

$88.60

Total on $1,000

$1088.60

Illinois Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Illinois?

The state sales tax rate in Illinois is 6.25%. With average local taxes, the combined rate is approximately 8.86%. Actual rates may vary by city and county within Illinois.

Why does the sales tax rate vary within Illinois?

Illinois allows local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) to add their own sales taxes on top of the 6.25% state rate. These local rates vary by location, which is why you might pay a different total rate in different cities within Illinois.

What items are exempt from sales tax in Illinois?

In Illinois, groceries, prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax. Exemptions may vary at the local level.

How do I calculate sales tax in Illinois?

Multiply the purchase price by the combined tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at the 8.86% combined rate in Illinois: $100 × 0.886 = $8.86 in tax. Total price: $108.86.

Does Illinois charge sales tax on online purchases?

Yes. Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect Illinois sales tax on purchases shipped to Illinois residents. The rate is based on the buyer's location within Illinois.

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