Question:  What's the sales tax rate in Bolingbrook?  8.5%? 10%?

Answer:  Sales tax vary depending on the type of purchase.

General Merchandise = 8.5%
Qualifying Food & Drugs = 1.75%
Restaurant Tax = 1.50% [additional tax imposed by Bolingbrook.  A home rule tax]

Source:  Illinois Department of Revenue


EXAMPLES

STARBUCKS
Drinks, prepared foods = 10% tax  
[8.5% + 1.50%]

Non-food items = 8.5%

LOWES
Bottled Water = 8.5%
CFL Soft White Bulbs = 8.5%


WALGREENS
Newspaper, Books = no tax
Food, Drugs = 1.75%
Gain Soap = 8.5%

JEWELS
Aluminum Foil = 8.5%
Pepsi Cola = 8.5%
Bush Baked Beans = 1.75%
Chuck Roast = 1.75%

PORTILLO'S
Maxwell Polish & Fries = 10%
[8.5% + 1.50%]
Source:   Retail receipts


EXPERIMENT #1

Purchase a cup of coffee (any drink) at the local Starbucks in Bolingbrook, Romeoville and Naperville.  Compare the sales tax. 

Which community has the highest sales tax?  Click to find out.