McHenry Times

McHenry County taxpayers paid the seventh largest sum in sales taxes in August, according to Illinois tax records.

In total, residents paid just under $4.9 million in sales taxes during August.

The county also ranked seventh in the Prairie State the month before, with just over $4.8 million spent in sales taxes.

The largest share of sales taxes paid by McHenry County residents in August came from the County Share of RTA Sales Tax.

The County Share of RTA Sales Tax, a crucial revenue stream, is primarily allocated for other taxing jurisdictions' use.

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
County Share of RTA Sales Tax	$1,514,405	2.5%
Countywide Sales Tax	$1,211,448	2.5%
Special County Retailers Occupation Tax	$978,651	-1.5%
County Motor Fuel Tax	$735,716	4.9%
County Sales Tax	$452,324	1.2%