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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to cut costs for Illinois families and educators statewide, state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, 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.

“As a mom, I understand how expensive back-to-school shopping can be,” said Gill. “Our children don’t only need supplies for class, but they also need new equipment for their extracurriculars. These costs quickly add up, and with the rising cost of living, we knew we needed to provide real financial relief to families as they prepared for the upcoming school year.”

The Gill-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. 

“The Back-to-Schools Sales Tax Holiday was the culmination of months of hard work and late night conversations, and I’m so proud it saved Illinoisans millions of dollars,” said Gill. “As I look to the future, I understand that it was just the beginning, and we have to keep looking for ways to save working families money year round.”