The state sales tax will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25% during that time and local sales taxes will still apply. Parents starting on back-to-school shopping will get a temporary sales tax break for 10 days this month. From Friday, Aug. 7, through Aug. 16 the state’s sales tax on school supplies will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%. The sales tax holiday on school supplies is one of two tax relief initiatives in the fiscal year 2027 budget. The sales tax holiday also comes days after the sales tax increased in the Chicago area.