Illinois’ state tax competitiveness ranking dropped six spots – from 32nd to 38th in the past six years. That’s the worst in the Midwest.
More than half of Illinois voters and one-third of Chicago voters said high taxes were their No. 1 concern. Despite that, Springfield and Chicago politicians both are hiking taxes again to spend more.
Illinois lawmakers passed a new plan to keep Chicago-area public transit running. The plan hikes sales taxes in the Chicago area but stops major service cuts for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.
Lawsuits are mounting from homeowners, investors and counties. Unless lawmakers act, taxpayers could pay millions in damages over Illinois' unconstitutional tax sale system.
Illinois’ latest tax scheme, a 4.95% “wealth tax” on unrealized gains for billionaires, risks violating the state constitution, likely resulting in a long and costly legal battle.
State lawmakers are rushing a first-in-the-world wealth tax on billionaires. They also want taxes on streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify and steep surcharges on concerts and ticketed events.
Chicago Tax Increment Finance “surpluses” have increased more than ninefold in the past decade.
Illinois’ candy tax doesn’t apply to any treats made with flour. Kit Kat, Twix and Snickers are all taxed as groceries, not candy, and come with a cheaper price tag.
Chicago’s budget has grown much faster than inflation, leaving taxpayers to endure higher costs without receiving better services. Implementing a spending cap linked to inflation could have kept costs under control, helping prevent future deficits
Microsoft, Salesforce, ChatGPT, Amazon Web Services and Zoom would all come with higher prices under Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cloud tax.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson describes the 2026 budget as “Protecting Chicago,” but his plan seems to do the opposite. Taxes on Artificial Intelligence, Uber rides and companies with 100+ employees are the biggest revenue sources.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker told the Chicago Economic Club Oct. 21 that he absolutely opposes Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to revive the corporate “head tax” as part of his new budget proposal.
Illinois risks millions in penalties under new federal law because of errors in determining who qualifies for food assistance. To protect taxpayers and struggling families, the state must increase its administrative precision.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a $21-per-employee monthly tax on large companies to help fill a nearly $1.2 billion shortfall. Business leaders and even a former mayor say the “head tax” could kill job creation and new investment.