On July 15, 2015, the Cook County, Illinois Board passed a sales tax rate increase that will bring the total Cook County sales rate to 10.25%. The rate increase goes into effect on January 1, 2016.Board President Preckwinkle proposed and the Board passed the rate increase in advance of the county budget presentation due to the advance lead time required by the Illinois Department of Revenue to administer the rate increase. Per President Preckwinkle, if the full amount is not needed once the State finalizes its budget and decisions are made concerning the county’s pension proposal, the rate increase may be rescinded in full or part. (Meeting Detail, Cook County Board of Commissioners, July 16, 2015)