Illinois Car Sales Tax Calculator – Fast, Free & Accurate

What Is Illinois Car Sales Tax?

Illinois charges a 6.25% state sales tax on most vehicle purchases. But the story doesn’t end there. Local municipalities (cities and counties) often add extra taxes, making the actual rate higher depending on where you register your car.

For example:

• Chicago (Cook County): Around 10.25%
• Peoria (Peoria County): Around 9%
• Naperville (DuPage County): Around 7.75%

These differences matter. A $30,000 car in Chicago will cost you more in taxes than the same car in Naperville.

How the Illinois Car Sales Tax Calculator Works

The calculator is designed to give you a fast, reliable estimate of your vehicle tax. Here’s what it does step by step:

1. Enter Vehicle Price – Input the price of the car you want to buy.
2. Enter Trade-in Value (if any) – Illinois only taxes the difference between your new car’s price and the value of your trade-in.
   • Example: $30,000 car – $5,000 trade-in = $25,000 taxable amount.
3. Select Your City/County – Tax rates vary by location. The calculator adjusts the final amount based on where you live.
4. Calculate Tax – With one click, it shows:
   • Taxable amount (after trade-in)
   • State tax (always 6.25%)
   • Local tax (varies by city/county)
   • Total estimated tax

This makes it much easier than trying to do the math yourself.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you’re buying a $30,000 car in Chicago with a $5,000 trade-in:

• Vehicle Price: $30,000
• Trade-in: $5,000
• Taxable Amount: $25,000
• Total Rate (Chicago): 10.25%
• Estimated Tax: $2,562.50

Without a calculator, that’s a headache to figure out. With the tool, it’s instant.

Why Use the Illinois Car Sales Tax Calculator?

• Accuracy: Avoid surprises at the dealership.
• Time-saving: No manual number crunching.
• Smart budgeting: Know exactly how much to set aside.
• Location-specific: Accounts for city and county differences.

Whether you’re shopping in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, or Springfield, the calculator adjusts automatically.

Key Things to Remember

• Trade-in credits reduce your taxable amount.
• Sales tax is due when you register the vehicle, not at the dealership.
• Rates change by city/county, so always pick the correct location.
• The calculator gives an estimate. Official amounts may differ slightly depending on title fees and DMV charges.