Illinois sales tax, explained
The statewide sales tax rate in Illinois is 6.25%. Local (city and county) taxes add an average of 2.73% on top, for a combined average of 8.98% (population-weighted, as of July 2026, per Tax Foundation data). What you actually pay at the register depends on the city and county you buy in, so treat the preset as a realistic average and swap in your local rate for exact figures. The calculator works both ways: add Illinois tax to a pre-tax price, or start from a receipt total and back out how much of it was tax.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Illinois?
- The Illinois state rate is 6.25%. Average local taxes bring the combined average to about 8.98%, though the exact rate varies by city and county.
- Why is my local rate different from 8.98%?
- 8.98% is a population-weighted average for Illinois. Cities and counties set their own additional rates, so your checkout rate can be higher or lower — enter your exact local rate in the calculator for a precise result.
- How do I calculate Illinois sales tax on a price?
- Multiply the price by the rate: for example, $100 × 8.98% = $8.98 tax, $108.98 total. To go the other way, divide a tax-included total by 1 + rate — this calculator does both automatically.