Using our Illinois used car sales tax calculator, you can find out how much sales tax you’ll owe when buying a used car in Illinois.
Use our free calculator below to estimate your state and local sales tax based on your vehicle price and location in Illinois.
Illinois Car Sales Tax Overview
How Much is Used Car Sales Tax in Illinois?
- State sales tax rate: 6.25%
- Local/county tax rate: Varies by county, averaging around 1.56%
- Total tax rate: Can range from 6.25% to over 9%
- Tax is based on: The registration address, not where the vehicle was purchased.
Trade-In Tax Credit in Illinois
Good news! Illinois allows a trade-in credit, which lowers the taxable amount on your used car purchase.
Example:
- Vehicle price: $20,000
- Trade-in value: $5,000
- Tax is only calculated on $15,000
This can significantly reduce how much tax you pay.
Do I Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car from a Private Seller?
Yes. However, Illinois applies a different tax structure for private party vehicle sales based on the vehicle’s age and purchase price, using a flat tax schedule instead of the standard percentage-based tax.
Other Fees to Expect in Illinois
While these aren’t part of the sales tax, you’ll need to budget for additional fees when registering your vehicle:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $165 |
| Registration Fee | $151 (standard passenger vehicle) |
| Electronic Vehicle Registration Fee | $250 (for EVs, in addition to standard registration) |
| Local/County Vehicle Tax | Varies by county |
| Dealer Documentation Fee | Up to $358.03 |
When Do I Pay Sales Tax?
You don’t pay sales tax to the seller. Instead, you must pay it at the time of registration with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Office.
Make sure to bring your bill of sale, vehicle title, and any applicable trade-in documents when you register your car.
County Tax Rates in Illinois
Illinois’ sales tax is a combination of state tax (6.25%) and additional local taxes, which vary by county. Some areas also have municipal and district taxes, which can increase the final tax rate.
Use our calculator above to get an estimate based on your location. You can also check the official Illinois Department of Revenue website for the latest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Do I pay tax on dealer fees?
Yes, dealer fees such as documentation and prep fees are subject to sales tax in Illinois.
2) What if I buy a car out of state and bring it to Illinois?
If you purchase a car out of state and register it in Illinois, you must pay Illinois sales tax (credit may be given for taxes paid in another state).
3) What if I gift a car to a family member?
Illinois allows tax exemptions for vehicle gifts between immediate family members, but proper documentation is required.
What’s Next?
Now that you know your estimated used car sales tax:
- Gather your documents (bill of sale, title, proof of trade-in if applicable).
- Visit your local Illinois SOS Office to register your vehicle.
- Pay your applicable sales tax and fees to complete the registration process.
Use our Illinois used car sales tax calculator to get an estimate before heading to the SOS Office, ensuring you’re fully prepared!
Helpful Resources
If you need more information about buying, registering, and owning a car in Illinois, here are some other handy resources that might help:
- What Is the Sales Tax on a Car in Illinois?
- Understanding Vehicle Costs in Chicago: A Guide to Fees and Taxes
- Illinois DMV Office Locations
Illinois County Sales Tax Rates
| County | County Sales Tax Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Cook | 1.75 |
| DuPage | 0.50 |
| Lake | 0.75 |
| Will | 1.00 |
| Kane | 0.50 |
| McHenry | 0.50 |
| Winnebago | 0.00 |
| Sangamon | 1.00 |
| Peoria | 1.00 |
| Champaign | 1.00 |
| Madison | 1.00 |
| St. Clair | 1.00 |
| Rock Island | 1.00 |
| Tazewell | 1.00 |
| McLean | 1.00 |
| LaSalle | 1.00 |
| Macon | 1.00 |
| Kankakee | 1.00 |
| Kendall | 1.00 |
| DeKalb | 1.00 |
| Vermilion | 1.00 |
| Adams | 1.00 |
| Williamson | 1.00 |
| Jackson | 1.00 |
| Ogle | 1.00 |
| Coles | 1.00 |
| Whiteside | 1.00 |
| Boone | 1.00 |
| Livingston | 1.00 |
| Henry | 1.00 |
| Effingham | 1.00 |
| Lee | 1.00 |
| Franklin | 1.00 |
| Macoupin | 1.00 |
| Marion | 1.00 |
| Jefferson | 1.00 |
| Clinton | 1.00 |
| Montgomery | 1.00 |
| Shelby | 1.00 |
| Bureau | 1.00 |
| Knox | 1.00 |
| Saline | 1.00 |
| Christian | 1.00 |
| Morgan | 1.00 |
| Warren | 1.00 |
| Fayette | 1.00 |
| Douglas | 1.00 |
| Hancock | 1.00 |
| Perry | 1.00 |
| Washington | 1.00 |
| Wayne | 1.00 |
| Randolph | 1.00 |
| Jasper | 1.00 |
| Logan | 1.00 |
| Monroe | 1.00 |
| Piatt | 1.00 |
| Mason | 1.00 |
| Lawrence | 1.00 |
| Moultrie | 1.00 |
| Clay | 1.00 |
| Carroll | 1.00 |
| Fulton | 1.00 |
| Wabash | 1.00 |
| Clark | 1.00 |
| Pulaski | 1.00 |
| Gallatin | 1.00 |
| Richland | 1.00 |
| Schuyler | 1.00 |
| Greene | 1.00 |
| Brown | 1.00 |
| Pike | 1.00 |
| Hardin | 1.00 |
| Henderson | 1.00 |
| Scott | 1.00 |
| Calhoun | 1.00 |
| Hamilton | 1.00 |
| Edwards | 1.00 |
| Alexander | 1.00 |
| Pope | 1.00 |
| Johnson | 1.00 |
| Massac | 1.00 |
| Cumberland | 1.00 |
| Menard | 1.00 |
| Stark | 1.00 |
| Putnam | 1.00 |
| Cass | 1.00 |
| Union | 1.00 |
| White | 1.00 |
| Bond | 1.00 |