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Illinois state sales tax reduction for school supplies to begin for parents

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 12:37 PM

By Steve Anderson

Lawrence County and other Illinois parents starting on back-to-school shopping will get a temporary sales tax break on their purchases for 10 days.

Starting Friday, August 7th, through Sunday, August 16th, the state's sales tax on school supplies will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%. Items with a lower sales tax will include such items as pens and pencils, markers, notebooks, folders and other classroom items, as well as clothing purchases.

Clothing items, including shoes, that cost less than $125 will qualify for the lower sales tax rate, while there will be no price limits on school supplies. All purchases will still be subject to local sales taxes, however.

The program was included in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and will cost the state $10 million.