DeKalb taxpayers ranked 64th in total sales taxes paid per municipality in May, according to Illinois tax records.
In total, residents paid just over $1.5 million in sales taxes during that month.
DeKalb ranked 66th in the Prairie State the month before, with approximately $1.6 million spent in sales taxes.
The largest share of sales taxes paid by DeKalb residents in May came from the Municipal Home Rule Sales Tax.
In Illinois, the Municipal Home Rule Sales Tax applies to a wide range of general merchandise. It operates similarly to the state sales tax but may exclude certain items, such as vehicles and specific foods, drugs, and medical appliances that require state agency titling or registration. This tax can be set in small increments without a maximum limit, though its implementation is optional, and not all municipalities choose to adopt it. The revenue generated is intended for local services and infrastructure needs.
A 2025 WalletHub study found that Illinois has the highest overall taxes in the U.S., with rates more than 50% higher than the national average. The study estimates that a median household in Illinois pays an effective tax rate of 16.58%, or about $13,099 per year.
| Type of Tax | Total Amount Collected | % Change From Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Home Rule Sales Tax | $815,003 | -3.7% |
| Municipal Sales Tax | $685,520 | -3.3% |
| Municipal Automobile Renting Tax | $2,084 | -4.4% |
