CHICAGO (JUNE 24, 2024) – Illinois’ second-highest in the nation gas taxes will go up again July 1 as the state motor fuel tax hits 47 cents per gallon.
That means the average driver in Illinois will pay $184 more in state gas taxes each year than before Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled the tax in 2019, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.
Gas tax hikes disproportionately affect middle- and lower-income families as they give up the greatest share of their household budgets for gasoline. Overall, Illinois has the seventh-most expensive retail gas price in the nation, with all state, local and federal taxes and fees contributing to about 40% of the total cost at the pump.
“Illinoisans were already overburdened with heavy gas taxes before this latest hike and now it will be more costly for tens of millions of Illinoisans expected to take to the roads this summer,” said Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research at the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. “These tax increases continue to damage our quality of life and make Illinois an expensive place to live.”
In total, lawmakers will hit Illinoisans with $1.1 billion in tax hikes in the coming year to support a record $53.1 billion state budget. Other tax hikes hitting taxpayers on July 1 include $200 million in taxes on sports wagering, $35 million on video gaming taxes and $60 million for bookings at select hotels.
To read more about Illinois' gas tax increases, visit illin.is/July2024.
For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.