Illinois Fourth of July drivers face 2nd-highest gas taxes in the nation

This coming Independence Day, motorists fueling up in Illinois will be paying even more at the gas pump.

Nearly 4 million Illinois motorists are expected hit the road for Independence Day. For those driving, be mindful how much gas you have in the tank.

On July 1, the state motor fuel tax increases to 47 cents per gallon – a 28-cent increase since 2019, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled it and added annual inflationary increases so state lawmakers would no longer face unpopular gas tax votes.

The inflation adjustment will make Independence Day travel even costlier.

When you add up federal, state and local gas taxes, Illinois’ current gas tax of 85 cents per gallon already ranks second highest nationally. Only Californians pay higher gas taxes than Illinoisans – by less than two cents.

The excessive fuel taxes in Illinois can inspire a little road rage. The tax burden consists in multiple layers: the state motor fuel excise tax, a prepaid sales tax, fees, the federal tax and local taxes added by municipalities.

Illinois is one of the few states to charge a sales tax on gasoline, adding it after the motor fuel tax is applied. That means Illinois drivers get taxed on the taxes they pay for gas.

Middle- and lower-income families give up a greater share of their household budgets to gasoline, a cost that is hard to avoid and still get to work, transport children or get away for a three-day weekend.

By filling up outside of Illinois, you can save money on holiday travel. More importantly, you will be sending a message to state politicians that you’re tired of paying excess taxes to fund their next big expenditure.