City implements higher costs for parking, shopping bags, rideshares, streaming services
As 2025 begins, Chicago residents are facing a series of new fees and fines affecting everyday expenses. The recently approved city budget introduces several measures aimed at increasing revenue without resorting to a substantial property tax hike.
Increased Fees on Daily Essentials
- Checkout Bag Tax: The tax on single-use checkout bags has risen from 7 cents to 10 cents per bag. Retailers now retain only 1 cent per bag, down from 2 cents, with the city collecting the remaining amount. This change is expected to generate an additional $5 million in revenue for the city.Block Club Chicago
- Residential Parking Permits: The cost to add a residential parking zone to a city vehicle sticker has increased from $25 to $30, with a further rise to $35 planned for 2026. Seniors aged 65 and older are exempt from this increase and will continue to pay the current rate. Additionally, the price for a sheet of 15 daily residential parking permits has nearly doubled, going from $8 to $15.Block Club Chicago
- Streaming Services Tax: The amusement tax applied to streaming services like Netflix and Spotify has been elevated from 9% to 10.25%. This adjustment is anticipated to bring in nearly $13 million in additional revenue for the city.Block Club Chicago