SWEETENER TAX MOVES FORWARD IN COOK COUNTY

Tricia Braid

Aug 01, 2017  |  Today's News |  Legislation & Regulation

On July 28, 2017, the Circuit Court of Cook County dismissed the Illinois Retail Merchants Association lawsuit against Cook County regarding the Sweetened Beverage Tax and dissolved the Temporary Restraining Order prohibiting collection of the tax. IL Corn has opposed legislation such as this at the state level.

Pursuant to Cook County Department of Revenue Sweetened Beverage Tax Regulation 2017-5, the tax must be collected from all purchases beginning August 2, 2017. Tax returns and applicable tax for the August tax month must be submitted to the Department by September 20, 2017. Returns and tax for subsequent months are due by the 20th of the month following the taxable month.

In accordance with the Ordinance and all regulations, distributors and retailers that qualify to register as distributors must be registered with the Department. Those who have not yet registered must do so as soon as possible. Additionally, pursuant to the Ordinance, retailers must remit the Floor Tax. Retailers must take inventory of bottled sweetened beverages, syrup and powder in their possession on August 1, 2017.