Illinois' ‘back-to-school sales tax' will return for 2026

Illinois will reintroduce a back-to-school sales tax holiday from August 7 to 16 as part of its $55.9 billion FY27 budget, which also includes a six-month pause on the state’s gas tax starting July 1, 2026. The budget excludes legislation related to a Chicago Bears stadium, data centers, and AI accountability.