Sales tax rates are high in Illinois, but there is not much consumers can do about it.

According to the DeKalb City Clerk’s office, the sales tax is 8 percent for DeKalb and an additional 2 percent at restaurants and bars.

According to tax.illinois.gov, the sales tax for Chicago is 10.25 percent which is more than 2 percent in comparison.

Associate economics professor Stephen Karlson said sales taxes vary throughout the state based on money spent.

“Sales taxes go up based on where the money is,” Karlson said. “There’s a lot of money in Chicago with a lot of tourists being there which explains for the higher sales tax.”

Karlson said differences in sales taxes won’t influence them to go to another county to shop.

“Despite the rate difference, it doesn’t make sense economically for a consumer to go to another county to get a cheaper sales tax,” Karlson said.

Junior engineering major Eric Kampmeier said sales tax makes a difference when he spends more money on something.

“When I’m buying something cheap like a sandwich, I’m not too worried about it,” Kampmeier said. “If it’s an expensive item, then it does affect my spending habits.”

Freshman undecided major Joe Zozzaro said he would like to know where the money from sales tax goes.

“If I knew where the money went, then I’d be a lot happier,” Zozzaro said. “I’d also like to know what others think about it as well.”

Karlson said one way people avoid sales taxes is by buying things online.

“A lot of people are avoiding sales taxes by buying products online such as amazon.com,” Karlson said.

Karlson also said businesses avoid sales taxes as well.

“Some businesses have their products delivered to states other than Illinois so they can avoid the higher tax rates,” he said.