St. Charles is a Fox River city where dining, entertainment and lodging employ a larger share of residents than in most nearby suburbs, and the City's tax list reflects that. It also publishes a clear list of what it does and does not tax. This page summarizes that list, explains how the Kane and DuPage County property tax systems apply and describes how a Naperville CPA firm can help St. Charles residents and owners.
What the City taxes, and what it does not
The City's Tax Information and Forms page, which states its figures as of 2026, lists these local items:
| Item | As listed by the City |
|---|---|
| Alcohol tax | 3 percent, on alcoholic beverages served and on package sales |
| Hotel and motel tax | 6 percent of 94 percent of gross rental revenue |
| Admissions tax | 10 percent of each admission charge |
| Local cannabis sales tax | 3 percent of non-medical cannabis purchases |
| Local fuel tax | 2 cents per gallon of fuel sold within the City |
The City also splits the local part of its sales tax into a municipal portion and a home rule portion. It does not impose a real estate transfer tax or stamp. Oswego, for example, charges a buyer-paid transfer tax; see our Oswego page. For reference, the state rate on general merchandise is 6.25 percent. Because sales tax rates change on January 1 and July 1, use the Tax Rate Finder on MyTax Illinois for an exact address instead of adding rates yourself. See also restaurants and retail and our sales and use tax service.
Property tax: paid to the county, not the City
The City's page notes that residential property taxes are paid to the county where you live, not to St. Charles. For Kane County parcels, the Kane County Treasurer bills and the Assessment Office, township assessors and Board of Review handle values and complaints. For DuPage County parcels, the DuPage Treasurer bills, township assessors set values and the DuPage Board of Review hears appeals. The City reports a property tax rate of $0.694329 for the 2025 levy, payable in 2026. That is the City's own rate and only one part of a bill that also includes schools, parks and other districts. An appeal does not change the rate. See our Kane County and DuPage County pages.
Residents and employers
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2020-2024 five-year estimates) counts about 32,900 residents with a median age near 42. Median household income is about $114,000, about 70 percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied and about 52 percent of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. About 10 percent of residents were born outside the United States, and about 5 percent identify as Asian alone. Education and health care employs about 24 percent of working residents; arts, entertainment, accommodation and food services employs about 13 percent, one of the highest shares among the places we cover. About 15 percent work from home and 8 percent are self-employed.
If you own a restaurant, bar, event space or short-term rental, expect several filings at once: federal and state income tax, Illinois sales tax, the City taxes above, payroll for staff and, for tipped employees, tip reporting. See tips and overtime reporting.
How we can help
We help St. Charles restaurant, bar, event and lodging owners track the City's taxes alongside sales tax, payroll and tip reporting, and we prepare personal returns and review IRS notices. Meet in Naperville or online; start from the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Does St. Charles have a real estate transfer tax?
According to the City, no. It does not require a transfer tax or stamp. Check with your title company, because other transfer filings, such as the State's transfer declaration, may still apply.
Which county's property tax rules apply to my St. Charles home?
The county that bills you, Kane or DuPage. Your tax bill names it.
Is there a city income tax in St. Charles?
No. Illinois taxes individuals at a flat 4.95 percent and has no city or county income tax. See our Illinois guide.
Official sources
- City of St. Charles: Tax information and forms
- Kane County Assessment Office
- DuPage County Treasurer
- U.S. Census Bureau: Illinois places by county (2020)
- U.S. Census Bureau: St. Charles city, Illinois (American Community Survey 2020-2024)
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.
General information only, not tax, legal or accounting advice for your situation. Rules, limits and deadlines change; confirm the current rules with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship with CPA Tax Payroll and Accounting Corp.