Illinois
New Illinois taxes set to soon take effect across the state as part of new budget
Some Illinois residents could see prices of a variety of items increase in coming weeks after tax rates were raised as part of budget negotiations.
That budget, which passed the General Assembly over the weekend, includes more than $55 billion in spending, with Democrats praising the bill as being the state’s seventh consecutive balanced budget thanks to increases in revenue.
“The passage of the FY26 balanced budget is a testament to Illinois’ fiscal responsibility,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in a statement. “Even in the face of Trump and Congressional Republicans stalling the national economy, our state budget delivers for working families without raising their taxes while protecting the progress we are making for our long-term fiscal health. I’m grateful to Speaker Welch, President Harmon, the budget teams, and all the legislators and stakeholders who collaborated to shape and pass this legislation. I look forward to signing my seventh balanced budget in a row and continuing to build a stronger Illinois.”
While some of that revenue will come from increases in corporate tax rates, delaying the transfer of funds from motor fuel taxes into the state’s road fund and other maneuvers, there are several taxes that could increase prices on some items and services for Illinois residents, drawing withering criticism from Republicans in Springfield.
Here are a few of the notable changes.
Sports Betting
Illinois officials are hoping to raise more than $36 million in yearly revenue by assessing a per-wager tax on sports bets placed within the state, according to multiple reports, including from Casino Beats.
Beginning July 1, the state will impose a tax of $0.25 per wager for the first 20 million wagers placed with licensed sports books within Illinois. After that, the tax rate will increase to $0.50 per wager, according to the text of the amendment to the tax code.
That money will then be deposited into the state’s General Revenue Fund.
Short-Term Rental Properties
Residents who use services like Airbnb and Vrbo for vacation rentals will soon be charged with the state’s Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax, as an exemption carved out into the tax code was deleted during budget negotiations.
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the state taxes hotel rooms at a rate of 6% of 94% of gross receipts. In the city of Chicago, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which helps to operate Rate Field, and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which operates McCormick Place, also collect taxes on hotels. The city itself also assesses a 1% tax on hotel rooms.
More information can be found on the IDOR website.
Tobacco Products
Finally, the state intends to raise tax rates on any “product that is made from or derived from tobacco,” including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping products and nicotine gum, according to legislators.
That tax will not be applied to smoking cessation products, according to the text of the bill.
The tax rate will be raised from 36% of the wholesale price of the products to 45%, according to the legislation.
Other Revenue Generators
In addition to raising corporate tax rates, the state of Illinois will also hope to generate revenues from a tax amnesty program, rewarding companies for repatriating funds into the state.
Illinois
Woman found dead near Schamburg, Illinois shopping center, man in custody
A woman was found dead near a shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois early Tuesday, and a man was taken into police custody.
Around 5:25 a.m., Schaumburg police were called to the 100 block of South Roselle Road. They found a woman dead at the scene.
Police said a man was taken into custody at the scene.
The investigation so far indicates that the incident was domestic, and the man and woman knew each other.
Police said the incident was isolated and there was no threat to the public. But there was a large police presence at the scene, and alternate routes were advised.
Illinois
Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide
PRINCETON, Ill. (WMTV) – The Illinois State Patrol is investigating a death after officials found a suspect’s vehicle wanted in connection to a Wisconsin homicide, Illinois State Police reported.
Just before 10 p.m. on December 10, ISP troopers and several other agencies attempted to pull a vehicle over in Princeton, Illinois, that was wanted in a Rock County homicide.
Officials did not specify which Rock Co. case this incident is connected to.
Princeton is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Rock County, Wisconsin.
After the driver did not pull over, police chased the vehicle into the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 westbound.
When officers went up to the vehicle, authorities stated the driver was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities did not identify the driver.
ISP is working with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation.
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Illinois
Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”
Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.
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