Taxes & Fees: Evanston vs Skokie
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Evanston, IL and Skokie, IL?
Evanston and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston imposes a Hotel/Motel Tax on short-term rentals at a combined rate of approximately 7% of gross rental receipts, collected by the host and remitted quarterly. This is in addition to the STR license fee. Illinois also collects state hotel occupancy taxes.
View full Evanston rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie STR operators must pay a $1,200 operator license fee plus a registration fee of $2,400 (owner-occupied) or $3,600 (non-owner-occupied). Stays of less than 30 days are also subject to Illinois state hotel tax and Skokie's local hotel/motel tax.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Evanston | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| City Tax Rate | ~7% of gross receipts | - |
| State Tax | Additional IL hotel tax applies | - |
| License Fee | ~$250/year | - |
| Remittance | Quarterly | - |
| Contact | (847) 448-8082 Finance Div | - |
| Operator License | - | $1,200 |
| Owner-Occupied Registration | - | $2,400 |
| Non-Owner-Occupied Registration | - | $3,600 |
| State Hotel Tax | - | IL Hotel Operators' Tax |
| Local Hotel Tax | - | Skokie hotel/motel tax |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Evanston FAQ
What taxes do Airbnb hosts pay in Evanston IL?
Hosts pay approximately 7% city Hotel/Motel Tax on gross rental receipts, plus Illinois state hotel occupancy tax. Some platforms remit certain taxes automatically, but hosts must verify full compliance.
How often do STR taxes need to be paid in Evanston?
The city Hotel/Motel Tax is remitted quarterly to Evanston's Finance Division. Hosts must keep rental records for at least 3 years.
What is the STR license fee in Evanston?
The annual Short-Term Rental License fee is approximately $250, separate from the Hotel/Motel Tax on rental income.
Skokie FAQ
What does it cost to run an Airbnb in Skokie IL?
Operators pay a $1,200 Village license plus a registration fee of $2,400 (owner-occupied) or $3,600 (non-owner-occupied), in addition to state and local hotel tax obligations on gross rental receipts.
Do I need to collect hotel tax for a Skokie STR?
Yes. Rentals of fewer than 30 days are subject to Illinois Hotel Operators' Tax and Skokie's local hotel/motel tax. Airbnb may collect state tax automatically; verify local collection with the Village Finance Department.
What happens if I don't pay Skokie STR fees?
Operating without paying required fees results in loss of authorization and fines up to $1,500 per offense. Unpaid hotel taxes can trigger back-tax assessments and penalties from both state and local authorities.
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