Knox County taxpayers paid approximately $3 million in Special County Retailers Occupation Tax in 2024, according to Illinois tax records.
This figure marks a noticeable increase over the previous year, when Special County Retailers Occupation Tax collection stood at approximately $2.9 million.
The Special County Retailers Occupation Tax, a crucial revenue stream, is primarily allocated for county governments’ 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.
Special County Retailers Occupation Tax Collected in Knox County Over Last 7 Years
| Year | Amount Collected | % Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,979,344 | 3.2% |
| 2023 | $2,887,195 | 1% |
| 2022 | $2,859,983 | 5.5% |
| 2021 | $2,710,494 | 24.3% |
| 2020 | $2,180,900 | 9.6% |
| 2019 | $1,989,171 | -9.5% |
| 2018 | $2,198,810 | – |
