Ness Highlights Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Returning $11.4M in Savings to Illinoisans

EAST DUNDEE, Ill. – Working to cut costs for Illinois families and educators statewide, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, is highlighting $11.4 million in savings returned to Illinoisans as part of this year’s budget-enacted Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which reduced sales tax on items like school supplies, clothing and footwear this August.

“Right now, the reality for Illinois families is that every grocery store trip is more expensive, gas prices climb higher every time we fill up at the pump and essentials we used to not think twice about are stretching our budgets over the edge,” said Ness. “While we can’t control the prices set on the shelf, our sales tax holiday brought real relief to Illinoisans in a time where every dollar counts. I’m eager to continue taking real steps like this one so families can get a break from the nonsense happening at the federal level making everything more expensive.”

The Ness-supported Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday ran from Aug. 7 to Aug. 16, 2026, waiving the state sales tax online and in-store for Illinoisans buying classroom essentials including clothing, gym shoes and school supplies. 2,284 retailers participated. The 10-day tax holiday was initially projected to deliver $10 million in consumer savings—however, new figures from the governor’s office show that Illinoisans ultimately saved $11.4 million. 

“There’s more work to do to make life easier and more affordable for Illinois. I’m ready to return to Springfield next month to continue conversations on what the state can do to maximize savings opportunities for our residents,” said Ness. 

###

​