When it comes to Halloween, Illinois tax on treats is almost scary

by Dylan Sharkey, Illinois Policy

Taxes are different on different types of candy in Illinois, with some brands taxed six times more than others. Just because you can eat it, doesn’t mean Illinois’ tax policy sees it as food.

Photo: Sebbi Strauch/Unsplash

Illinois shoppers will pay higher taxes depending on the type of candy they choose for trick-or-treaters – at least six times higher taxes for some brands.

In Illinois, treats prepared with flour don’t count as "candy". That means Halloween favorites with flour including Kit Kats, Twizzlers and Twix aren’t recognized as candy because Illinois considers them to be food.

Candy sales are taxed at 6.25%. Treats containing flour are considered regular grocery items and taxed at 1%. So the sales tax for a Hershey’s milk chocolate bar is over six-fold the tax of the Cookies & Cream version.

States such as Arzona and Michigan consider all candy grocery items, with no special tax rate. California exempts all groceries from sales taxes.

Sales taxes in 2021 will net Illinois an estimated $7.4 billion, the second-highest revenue source behind income taxes. When you stock up for Halloween in Illinois, a little flour in your treats could save you a little dough.

Photo of the Day: SJO begins postseason run to state

St. Joseph-Ogden's Becca Steinbach and Rachel Divan (right) team up to block a hit from Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin during first set action of their regional semifinal match on Tuesday. The Spartans, who won the postseason opener in straight sets, 24-14, 25-16, advance to the Thursday's regional title contest against St. Teresa. The Bulldogs advanced to their second meeting against SJO after knocking of Hoopeston Area, 25-16, 25-9, in an earlier match. More Sentinel photos coming soon.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden parent-teacher conferences held next week

St. Joseph-Ogden High School will hold its Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, November 4, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm and from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

First-quarter grades were distributed to all SJO students last Friday, October 22. The conferences are a good opportunity for parents to discuss their son or daughter’s academic performance with teachers.

Parents should have received a letter or email encouraging them to contact the high school by November 1 to make appointments with their child’s teachers and counselor. Appointments can be made by with Nicki Fall at fallsn@sjo.k12.il.us or by phone at 469-7321.

Parents can contact the high school office at the phone number above with questions about the upcoming conference session.