President Preckwinkle Reminds Residents County Wheel Tax Eliminated Starting July 1

Mon, 07/17/2023 - 12:00

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reminded residents living in unincorporated Cook County that one less tax exists in the area as the repeal of the Cook County Wheel Tax went into effect starting July 1. Sponsored by Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, the County Board voted unanimously to repeal the tax during its September 2022 board meeting.

“We’re proud to alleviate any financial burden imposed by the Wheel Tax and ensure that taxpayers are able to keep more of their hard-earned money,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “We are immensely proud of the hard work and fiscal stewardship that made this possible. I am thankful for Commissioner Morrison’s leadership on this initiative and our Board of Commissioners for voting to eliminate this tax.”

Created in the early 1970s, the now eliminated tax required a Cook County Vehicle License costing between $80 and $200 for all motor vehicles owned and operated by residents of unincorporated Cook County.

“I am proud of our work to do away with the Wheel Tax and provide some much-needed relief to County residents,” said Commissioner Kevin Morrison. “Beginning in July, the people of Cook County will now no longer have to deal with this regressive and burdensome tax. This is good policy and a good way to start the month.”

The Cook County Bureau of Finance estimates that around 8,000 staff hours dedicated to administering the tax can be redirected to other services. They also estimate that the revenue lost from eliminating the tax will be partially offset by savings on administrative costs and new County revenues. In terms of impact to the County’s overall budget, revenues from the Wheel Tax constitute less than half of a percent of the more than $8.7 billion budget. The lost revenue from eliminating this tax is negligible in comparison to the cost savings to individual families.

The ordinance repealing the Wheel Tax was officially effective starting June 30, 2023.