Budget + Tax

Voter information on Chicago’s real estate transfer tax hike

Voter information on Chicago’s real estate transfer tax hike

March 19 primary ballots ask Chicago voters whether they support Mayor Brandon Johnson's real estate transfer tax hike. While he and 'Bring Chicago Home' advocates claim money will help homeless Chicagoans, there is reason to worry about hurting 5,143 commercial properties with no guarantee how this 'mansion tax' will be used.

What you need to know about ‘Bring Chicago Home’

What you need to know about ‘Bring Chicago Home’

Chicago’s March 19 primary election includes Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike to raise $100 million, dubbed “Bring Chicago Home.” Will higher taxes without a plan help homeless Chicagoans or hurt their job prospects?

By Dylan Sharkey

Opinion: Why Illinois’ state budget matters to you

Opinion: Why Illinois’ state budget matters to you

Illinois will spend over $50 billion this year to operate state government, which is $10 billion more than when J.B. Pritzker first started spending your taxes. Here are some reasons to pay attention to the upcoming state budget.

By Hilary Gowins

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

Combined state and average local sales tax rate tallies 8.85% in Illinois for 2024. That’s the highest in the Midwest and seventh highest in the nation.

By Bryce Hill