State eliminates grocery tax

Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed into law House Bill 3144, the local government tax omnibus bill that eliminates the state tax on grocery items. The 1 percent state tax is repealed across all of Illinois, although local governments have the option of imposing the tax on a local basis by ordinance.

“Even with inflation cooling off every dollar counts, so I’m proud we’re doing what we can to make trips to the grocery store a little easier,” Pritzker said. “It’s one more important part of lifting the burden on Illinois families. Establishing a child tax credit, eliminating medical debt, lowering the cost of healthcare, making college more affordable, bringing quality childcare closer to home so moms and dads can go to work — these are not esoteric policy proposals but actually do lift burdens everyday Illinoisans face.”

In 2022, Pritzker worked with the General Assembly to suspend the state grocery tax for the fiscal year. The governor also supported property tax rebates and direct payments for Illinois filers.

The local business omnibus bill also legislates several other municipal tax code rules and regulations – including prepaid wireless surcharges and a Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax. 

The 1 percent tax applies to grocery items intended to be consumed off-premises. 

Illinois was previously one of only 11 other states to tax groceries. The tax cut will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Republic-Times

The Republic-Times has been Monroe County's hometown newspaper since 1890. Serving Columbia, Waterloo, Valmeyer, Hecker and every town in between, we strive to provide the news that matters most to you in the timeliest manner possible. For more information on subscribing to the Republic-Times, call 939-3814 or visit the "Subscribe" page on this website.
HTC web
MCEC Web