Residents of Chicago are likely to notice that goods and services cost a bit more starting yesterday. On that day, Chicago assumed the highest metropolitan sales taxA sales tax is levied on retail sales of goods and services and, ideally, should apply to all final consumption with few exemptions. Many governments exempt goods like groceries; base broadening, such as including groceries, could keep rates lower. A sales tax should exempt business-to-business transactions which, when taxed, cause tax pyramiding. rate in the nation. The new 10.25 percent rate in Cook County, approved earlier this year, was accelerated to close a budget deficit.
Additionally, dining within a special business taxing district in the heart of the city will include a sales taxA tax is a mandatory payment or charge collected by local, state, and national governments from individuals or businesses to cover the costs of general government services, goods, and activities. bill of 11.25 percent. So, if a couple spends $100 on a romantic meal, taxes alone will be $11.25. Imagine what it would be on a big ticket item like a television or a car. Speculation that consumers will instead shop in surrounding suburbs where tax rates are much lower has already begun (see our take on it earlier this year).
Congrats go out to Chicago; they are no longer the second city when it comes to municipal tax rates.
Earlier posts on the steadily increasing Chicago sales tax rate here, here, and here.
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