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Taxes
Sales Tax
Illinois
Chicago
US • Taxes • Chicago • Updated for 2026

Chicago Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Instantly estimate sales tax in Chicago, IL using the 10.25% combined rate (state + Cook County + city + RTA).

Inputs

Enter purchase details to calculate sales tax.

Results

Sales tax breakdown for Chicago, Illinois.

Effective Tax Rate: 10.250%

This category is taxable under the configured rules.

Purchase Price$100.00
Sales Tax$10.25
Total Price$110.25

Rate Breakdown

State6.250%
County1.750%
City1.250%
Special District1.000%
Base combined10.250%
Total10.250%
Calculator inputs stay on your device (local processing).

Disclaimer: All calculators on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only. The results do not constitute professional advice (including legal, tax, financial, medical, or other advice). Despite careful programming, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the results. For matters requiring professional advice, we recommend consulting an appropriate specialist (e.g., a tax advisor, lawyer, accountant, or physician).

1

How This Calculator Works

  1. Enter the purchase price and category (general, groceries, etc.).
  2. The calculator applies Chicago's 10.25% combined rate (state + county + city + RTA).
  3. Tax amount and total price update instantly.
2

Calculation Methodology

We calculate sales tax using:

  • Total Rate: State + Cook County + City of Chicago + RTA (10.25%)
  • Tax Amount: Price × (Total Rate / 100)
  • Total Price: Price + Tax

Chicago, Illinois Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Chicago's combined sales tax rate in 2026 is 10.25%: 6.25% Illinois state, 1.75% Cook County, 1.25% City of Chicago, and 1% Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Use the calculator above for an instant tax and total on any purchase.

What is the Sales Tax Rate in Chicago, Illinois?

In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Chicago (Cook County) is 10.25%:

  • Illinois state sales tax: 6.25%
  • Cook County: 1.75%
  • City of Chicago: 1.25%
  • Regional Transportation Authority (RTA): 1%
  • Total combined rate: 10.25%

Is Chicago Sales Tax High?

Chicago's 10.25% combined rate is among the highest in the U.S., driven by state, county, city, and RTA layers. Compared to NYC (8.875%), Houston (8.25%), or Miami (7%), Chicago shoppers pay more sales tax on taxable items. Groceries and drugs are exempt in Illinois.

Exemptions and Special Rules in Illinois

  • Groceries: unprepared food for home consumption is exempt.
  • Prescription drugs: generally tax-exempt.
  • Digital goods: may be taxable depending on Illinois law and delivery method.

For official rules, see the Illinois Department of Revenue Sales Tax. More tools: Illinois Sales Tax Calculator, Illinois tax calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the sales tax rate in Chicago, Illinois?

Chicago's combined sales tax rate in 2026 is 10.25%: 6.25% Illinois state, 1.75% Cook County, 1.25% City of Chicago, and 1% RTA.

Q:What is the sales tax on a car in Chicago?

Motor vehicle sales in Illinois are generally subject to the same combined rate (10.25% in Chicago) plus any applicable fees. Check Illinois DOR and DMV for current rules.

Q:Are groceries taxed in Chicago?

No. Unprepared food for home consumption is exempt from Illinois sales tax. Prepared food and candy may be taxable.