Illinois Won't Offer Sales Tax Holiday For First Time In 3 Years

ILLINOIS — Although this weekend will mark the start of savings for some Americans who are beginning their back-to-school shopping as part of their state’s sales tax holiday, Illinois residents won’t enjoy the same break at the cash register.

Last year, Illinois was among the states that established the sales tax holiday to help families save money on school essentials. During the nine-day holiday, the state sales tax of 6.25 percent dropped by 5 percent to just 1.25 percent on items priced under $125.

However, after being among the states around the country offering the sales tax holiday, Illinois is not participating this year. This is the first time in three years, Illinois is not passing along the savings to its residents.

“We were hopeful that they would extend those tax breaks for gas and groceries. Especially during this time, our kids are getting ready to go back to school,” Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) said, according to a Springfield television station.

Consumers are expected to spend a record $41.5 billion on back-to-school shopping this year, up from $36.9 billion last year and the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021, according to the National Retail Foundation. Back-to-college shopping is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion higher than last year.

Based on a survey of 7,843 consumers earlier this summer, the retail trade group estimates families with children in elementary through high school will spend an average of $890 on back-to-school shopping this year, about $25 more than last year’s record of just under $865.

College students and their families expect to spend about $1,367 on average this year, higher than the 2021 record where families spent $1,200.

In addition to big-ticket electronics like laptops, tablets, phones and calculators that kids in elementary through high school students need, college students put furnishings and food accounts on their back-to-school shopping lists, the retail group said.