Today is July 1st and Chicago has earned a dubious distinction. The Windy City now has the highest sales tax rate in the country, 10.25%. The old “winner,” Memphis, has a 9.25% rate.
The sales tax will likely help suburban retailers of high-end items such as automobiles. Individuals contemplating a $30,000 purchase can save $900, a not insignificant amount, by shopping in DuPage County (7.25% sales tax rate) or $975 by going to Will or Lake County (7.00% sales tax rate).
People who can will vote with their spending dollars. Given the economic climate I’d hope voters in Cook County will remember who approved this increase and take out their anger at the polls. Of course, we’re talking about Chicago here….