Illinois · IL · Money & taxes
Illinois: Are groceries taxed?
Groceries exempt
Illinois ended its 1% state sales tax on groceries on January 1, 2026, though many cities and counties may add 1%.
Before 2026, Illinois taxed groceries at a reduced 1% state rate. The state tax ended January 1, 2026, and the same law lets municipalities and counties adopt a local grocery tax of exactly 1% by ordinance, so many shoppers still pay 1%. Alcohol, cannabis-infused food, soft drinks, candy and food prepared for immediate eating are not 'groceries' and stay taxed at the general merchandise rate.
What the law says
Effective January 1, 2026, the State of Illinois will eliminate the one-percent (1%) sales and use tax on grocery sales.
Sources
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- Phone
- 800-732-8866
- Website
- tax.illinois.gov
How bordering states compare
- Indiana Groceries exemptIndiana exempts food and food ingredients for home consumption from its state sales tax.
- Iowa Groceries exemptIowa exempts most food and food ingredients from its state sales tax.
- Kentucky Groceries exemptKentucky exempts food and food ingredients for home consumption from its 6% sales tax.
- Missouri Taxed at a lower rateMissouri taxes food at a 1.225% state rate, compared with its 4.225% general state rate.
- Wisconsin Groceries exemptWisconsin exempts food and food ingredients from its sales tax, except candy, soft drinks, dietary supplements and prepared food.