Shoppers not bothered by Cook County sales tax increase

The new year brought a sales tax increase on most goods in Cook County, but a survey of several suburban shoppers indicates spending habits aren't likely to change much.

The tax rate jumped by 1 percentage point, or an extra penny on the dollar. The change was effective New Year's Day.

As a result, the sales tax rate climbed to 10.25 percent in Chicago and some suburbs, including Rosemont. Among the suburbs with sales tax rates now at 10 percent are Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg. For towns that straddle county lines, such as Barrington, Buffalo Grove and Bartlett, only the Cook County portions will have the higher tax rate.

People shopping at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg on Saturday didn't seem to mind much, though.

"It's another couple of dollars, I guess," said Bloomingdale resident Paul DiBartolo. "It's not really that big a deal to me."

Wheeling resident Joanna Tamayo said she and her relatives already factor in sales tax when they choose where to shop.

"We prefer to spend our money (smarter)," she said. "If we get a better price on stuff in different counties, then we can get more stuff."

Roselle resident Jean Gorski said she might shop more at the Yorktown Center mall in Lombard because the sales tax rate is lower there. In the long run, however, Gorski said she doesn't expect the rate increase will affect her habits much.

Wheeling's Ben Umansky wasn't bothered by the sales tax bump, either - but he said any additional increases to the rate could prompt some behavioral changes.

"If it increases more and more, I'll probably manage my money better," Umansky said.

The Cook County Board approved the sales tax increase in July. The move established the sales tax for purchases in unincorporated areas at 9 percent. Some towns have additional 1 percent sales taxes.

The increase was expected to raise an estimated $473 million annually for the county.