06/21/2026
Here is a detailed breakdown of major tax increases, fee hikes, and new revenue measures enacted during Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration (2019–2026). Illinois has seen dozens of such actions (critics like the Illinois Policy Institute count 57–63+), generating tens of billions in cumulative additional revenue.
illinoispolicy.org
Exact totals and lists vary by source (official vs. critic analyses), and many are phased, inflation-adjusted, or part of annual budgets. Major ones are grouped chronologically or by category below.2019: Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan (Major Early Package)Motor Fuel (Gas) Tax: Doubled from 19¢ to 38¢ per gallon for gasoline/gasohol. Diesel and alternatives saw corresponding increases. The law also added automatic annual inflation adjustments (based on CPI) every July 1. By 2026, the rate reached ~48.3–49.6¢/gallon for gasoline (higher for diesel). This has generated billions over time for infrastructure.
tax.illinois.gov
Vehicle-related fees: Increases in registration, title, and other motor vehicle fees.
Cigarette tax: Raised from $1.00 to $2.98 per pack.
E-cigarettes/vaping: New 15% tax on wholesale price.
Other: Various smaller fees and adjustments to fund the multi-billion infrastructure plan.
rockfuscoconnelly.com
Cannabis and Gaming (2019–2020)Recreational cannabis legalization: New excise taxes, cultivation/distribution/sales taxes, and licensing fees. Revenue has been significant but sometimes below projections.
Sports betting legalization: Excise taxes on operators (initially 15% of adjusted gross revenue, with later increases proposed).
Corporate/Business Tax Changes (Ongoing, Especially 2021+)Net Operating Loss (NOL) deduction cap: Imposed/ extended limits (e.g., initially ~$100k, later adjusted to $500k in proposals). This prevents businesses from fully deducting losses in some years, generating hundreds of millions annually (e.g., ~$300M in later extensions). Critics call it effectively double-taxing companies.
illinoispolicy.org
Franchise tax: Reversed or slowed phaseout; exemption frozen/reduced from planned levels (e.g., adjustments around $1k–$10k).
Decoupling from federal tax provisions: Illinois no longer follows certain federal business tax breaks/cuts, increasing state taxable income.
Out-of-state business measures: "Leveling the playing field" rules requiring more income tax from non-Illinois businesses (~$336M in one FY2026 package).
capitolnewsillinois.com
Annual Budget Revenue Measures (FY2025–FY2027 Examples)Annual budgets often included $500M–$900M+ in new or expanded revenue:FY2026 (~$700M+ new revenue): Higher tobacco/vape/nicotine taxes (to 45%, ~$50M); telecom tax increase (7% to 8.65%, ~$49M for 988 hotline); sports betting wager tax expansions; short-term rental taxes; business income tax changes; amnesties.
capitolnewsillinois.com
FY2027 (~hundreds of millions; $55.9B budget):Social media/platform fee/tax: Progressive scale based on users (e.g., 10¢ per user/month for smaller platforms up to $165k + 50¢/user for large ones). Projected ~$200M, dedicated in part to education. Faces potential legal challenges.
capitolnewsillinois.com
Digital Asset (Crypto) Privilege Tax: 0.2% on gross value of exchanges, transfers, and custody services for Illinois customers. First-of-its-kind in a state; projected ~$60M starting 2027. Applies to providers meeting nexus thresholds.
x.com
Fantasy sports: New licensing + 15% tax on operator receipts (~$5M projected).
Prediction markets/sports betting expansions: Taxes starting at 1.75% on certain bets.
Corporate NOL adjustments: Further tightening or extensions.
Targeted Advertising/Digital Ad Tax: 10% on certain digital ad revenue over $1M (potential future enforcement).
Remote tobacco/other: Collection requirements on out-of-state sellers.
Other: Fund sweeps, decoupling from federal small business stock gains rules, etc.
capitolnewsillinois.com
Other Notable or RecurringProperty taxes: Not directly set by the state, but total collections rose ~27% (~$8.57B) under Pritzker due to state policies on pensions, school funding, and local pressures.
illinoispolicy.org
Plastic bag fees/taxes, managed care organization fees, and various smaller excise or privilege taxes.
Sales tax adjustments: Mostly local changes; state rate stable at 6.25% base, but expansions or redirects (e.g., motor fuel sales tax portions shifted to transportation funds). Occasional holidays or targeted relief.
Notes: Pritzker and Democrats generally avoided broad-based personal income tax or general sales tax hikes after the failed 2020 graduated income tax amendment. Many increases target businesses, "sin" goods, or new industries.
news.wttw.com
Revenues fund infrastructure, pensions, education, balanced budgets (8 consecutive per administration), and programs. Critics highlight high overall tax burden, outmigration, and persistent structural issues like pensions.
illinoispolicy.org
For the most precise figures, official bill texts (ilga.gov), Governor’s budget books, or Illinois Department of Revenue publications are best. Let me know if you want deeper detail on a specific tax or year!
