Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity
Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity
Chicago’s high commercial property taxes hurt both businesses and homeowners. The result is less business, fewer jobs and growing inequality across communities.
By Cameron Jasper, LyLena Estabine
Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth
Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth
The Illinois Senate attempted to pass a “rescue package” for Chicago area mass transit that would punish suburban homeowners with a new real estate transfer tax. State leaders must instead focus on reforms to boost housing and economic growth.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes
Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes
Despite record revenues, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget hikes taxes by another $482 million. Illinoisans are paying 44% more than six years ago and getting higher tax burdens as thanks.
By Ravi Mishra
No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.
No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.
Illinois just ranked as having the highest property tax rate in the country. Property taxes in Illinois are an especially heavy burden without the tradeoff seen in states such as Texas or New Hampshire, where there are either no sales taxes or income taxes.
By Charlotte Rotkis
Illinois 3X taxes on Juul, Elf Bar, ZYN products to fund more spending
Illinois 3X taxes on Juul, Elf Bar, ZYN products to fund more spending
In another short-term revenue move, Illinois lawmakers July 1 turned to vape and other nicotine product tax hikes to allow ever-more spending. Taxes on vape products went from 15% to 45% of the wholesale cost.
By Ravi Mishra
Illinois lawmakers making $128K for 70 days of work
Illinois lawmakers making $128K for 70 days of work
While Illinois families face one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, the nation’s highest property taxes and the highest state and local tax burden, state lawmakers just gave themselves another raise. They get $128,000 for 70 days of work.
By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis
Illinois ranked No. 1 for cell phone taxes – before latest hike
Illinois ranked No. 1 for cell phone taxes – before latest hike
Illinoisans paid the highest state and local taxes for wireless cell phone services in the nation in 2024 – $136 per family more than the average. An increase in Illinois’ telecommunication tax July 1 just made them even higher.
By Charlotte Rotkis
Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.
By Ravi Mishra
Betting on DraftKings, FanDuel? Expect to see Illinois’ new 50-cent fee
Betting on DraftKings, FanDuel? Expect to see Illinois’ new 50-cent fee
Illinois is adding a 25-cent fee to all bets and 50-cent fee to high-volume sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel starting July 1. Illinoisans lost $1.12 billion in 2024, with $700 million of that on parlays. The new fees will add even more to that total.
By Dylan Sharkey
Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1
Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $55.2 billion budget propped up by five new tax hikes starting July 1. Gas, phone bills, tobacco, sportsbooks and rentals such as VRBO will all come with higher taxes in Illinois.
By Charlotte Rotkis
Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers
Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers
Just in time for Independence Day travel, drivers will face Illinois’ latest gasoline tax hike. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added 29 cents per gallon since 2019 – costing the average driver $143 more per year.
By Rich Witzel
Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral
Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral
J.B. Pritzker wants a third term as Illinois governor, but based on his history of boosting taxes and creating spending records, can Illinois afford him for four more years? Will the state grow even smaller as Illinoisans get fed up and leave?
By Paul Vallas