SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue their efforts to improve affordability for all Illinois families by implementing a back-to-school state tax holiday. From Aug. 7 through Aug. 16, state sales tax on back-to-school necessities will be waived. By taking advantage of this ten-day initiative, parents and students alike can enter the school year confident, prepared, and well-equipped for the year ahead.
“The data shows that costs for common school supplies, from scissors to lunchboxes and even glue sticks, is on the rise, and that doesn’t even begin to account for the increases residents are seeing at the grocery store, at the gas pump, or on their health care and utility bills,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This state tax holiday is about recognizing families’ needs for assistance on affording everyday necessities and ensuring their focus can remain on their student receiving the best education possible – not the price of notebooks and pencils.”
Enacted under the FY27 state budget package, the 10-day period is expected to provide an estimated $10 million in savings to online and in-store consumers on essential back-to-school items inducing clothing, footwear, and school supplies. During the tax holiday, the state will waive its 5% sales tax on qualifying purchases.
“Every dollar matters for Illinois families, especially as they prepare for a new school year,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. “The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is about putting money back in the pockets of working families when they need it most. By lowering the cost of essential school supplies and clothing, we're helping parents focus on preparing their children for success in the classroom – not worrying about how to make every paycheck stretch.”
Qualifying clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item are eligible for the reduced tax rate. Examples of qualifying items include shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, and other everyday clothing items. Qualifying school supplies, including items such as notebooks, folders, binders, pens, pencils, and calculators, are also eligible for the reduced tax rate. There is no price limit on qualifying school supplies.
“For families already balancing the rising costs of everyday life, school supply expenses can add significant pressure to the household budget,” said State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Through the Back-to-School sales tax holiday, we are relieving some of that burden and giving parents a little more breathing room.”
A complete list of qualifying and non-qualifying items can be found here.
