Budget + Tax

Illinoisans will receive income-tax relief in 2015

Illinoisans will receive income-tax relief in 2015

With a lame-duck session dead in the water, the 2011 income-tax hikes will sunset on schedule; a minimum-wage debate will wait until Rauner takes office; and taxpayers will not be on the hook for a state-funded health insurance exchange.

By Jane McEnaney

2015 State Business Tax Climate Index: Illinois drops to 31st

2015 State Business Tax Climate Index: Illinois drops to 31st

Illinois’ burdensome tax climate for businesses will continue to hold the state back from creating jobs and growing the economy in 2015. The Tax Foundation issued its 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index, reporting that Illinois dropped two positions in the ranking since last year, to 31st from 29th. Prior to 2011, Illinois steadily ranked...

By Robert Steere

Chicago cellphone taxes highest in nation

Chicago cellphone taxes highest in nation

Everywhere they look, Chicagoans see ads urging them to switch their cellphone service. One major provider urges customers to purchase a four-line family plan with all the texting, talking and data one could possibly use for only $100 per month. But the ad fails to mention that a Chicago family would actually have to pay...

By Robert Steere

Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’

Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’

In the past two years, the Illinois Tollway Authority has filed lawsuits totaling $11 million against drivers who didn’t pay tolls – a fee that was originally sold to the public as “temporary.” When the Illinois Tollway was originally created in 1953, lawmakers used the revenue to pay for the original bonding needed to build...

By Matt Paprocki

Chicago’s budget includes higher tax rates for parking, vehicle leasing and cable TV

Chicago’s budget includes higher tax rates for parking, vehicle leasing and cable TV

Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivered his 2015 Chicago budget proposal to the City Council last week. He did so expressing pride that he did not increase property taxes, sales taxes or the gas tax – the big three taxes that support the city budget. That said, his budget proposal continues to nickel-and-dime Chicago taxpayers with new...

By Robert Steere