Chicago Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate Chicago combined sales tax using an approximate typical combined rate for the city. Override with your exact local rate.
Regional Rule Context
United States Rates and Rules
Tax Rates
Exemptions
- -Prescription medicines
- -Groceries at reduced 1% state rate
Enter Values
Result
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result.
AI Assistant
Ask about this calculator
I can help you understand the chicago sales tax calculator formula, interpret your results, and answer follow-up questions.
Try asking
Chicago sales tax calculator for 2026. Combined rate ~10.25% (6.25% state + 1.75% Cook County + 1.75% city + 0.5% RTA). Among the highest of any major US city, tied with LA and Seattle. Groceries taxed at reduced rate (~1-3%). Clothing IS taxable. Chicago also has separate taxes on restaurant meals, soft drinks, and amusement.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
Chicago includes state, county, city, and transit components in the combined rate. Your seller applies the final rate.
United States FAQs
What is Chicago sales tax rate?
Chicago combined rate is approximately 10.25%: 6.25% Illinois state, 1.75% Cook County, 1.75% city of Chicago, and 0.5% RTA transit. This ties with LA and Seattle as the highest among major US cities.
Is food taxed in Chicago?
Groceries are taxed at a reduced rate (~1-3% total instead of 10.25%). Prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full combined rate. Chicago also adds a separate 0.5% restaurant tax on top.
How does Chicago compare to the suburbs?
Cook County suburbs pay ~9-10% (no Chicago city tax of 1.75%). Collar counties like DuPage, Lake, and Will are 7-8.5%. Shopping outside Chicago can save 1-3% per purchase.
Is clothing taxed in Chicago?
Yes. Clothing is fully taxable at the 10.25% combined rate. Illinois has no clothing exemption at any price point.
Does Chicago have other special taxes?
Yes. Beyond the 10.25% sales tax, Chicago levies taxes on: restaurant meals (0.5%), soft drinks (3% per bottle), amusement activities (9%), parking (varies), and cloud computing services (9% lease tax).
Why is Chicago tax one of the highest in the US?
Four independent layers stack up: state, Cook County, city, and RTA. Each jurisdiction adds its own tax independently. Combined with Illinois also having a state income tax (4.95%), Chicago has one of the highest overall tax burdens of any US city.
Does Chicago have a sweetened beverage tax?
Cook County passed a sweetened beverage tax in 2017 (1 cent per ounce) but repealed it after four months due to public backlash. As of 2026, there is no soda tax in Chicago, though the 3% soft drink tax at retail still applies.
How do I add this Chicago Sales Tax Calculator to my site?
Absolutely. Use the "Embed" option above to tailor the dimensions, color scheme, and styling to match your site. Copy the generated iframe snippet and drop it into your HTML, WordPress editor, or any CMS. There is no cost and no account required. See calculory.com/services/embed-calculators for a step-by-step walkthrough.
AI Assistant
Ask about this calculator
I can help you understand the chicago sales tax calculator formula, interpret your results, and answer follow-up questions.
Try asking
More United States Calculators
Secure and Private
All calculations run locally. Your US tax and financial data never leaves your browser.
Verified Precision
Precise US Calculations Powered by Calculory AI