Spend It! In Fairfield  Buying Here Benefits You!

Every taxable dollar spent in Fairfield benefits important City-provided services like police, fire, street and bridge  departments.  Sales tax generated from Fairfield transactions stays in Fairfield (1% of gross taxale sales) and contributes to the quality of life we enjoy.

Fairfield is fortunate to have a variety of stores where we can shop.  So,  Spend It! In Fairfield  and support local businesses.  Save energy and time.  Keep sales tax revenues working in OUR city. 

Sales Tax Benefits For Our Community

Here's how it works:

• 1% of sales tax generated within Fairfield goes into the City's general fund

• Sales tax is the largest revenue contributor to the City's General Fund, which provides services for our police, fire, and other city departments. 

• It enhances our quality of life by enriching the community with extras like Freedom Park, decorative street lights, 4th of July fireworks, seasonal planting on Main and Delaware and support for local festivals.

Sales Tax Tevenues are declining. Why?

Consumers have less money for shopping than they did just one year ago.  Nationwide, people are feeling the squeeze, and consumer confidence is down.  This affects purchasing behaviors, and consumers cut back on making large taxable purchases like a new car, wide screen TV's or large kitchen appliances.  Also, wages are not keeping up with living expenses.  Gas and utility prices continue to increase and take a bigger bite out of disposable income.

What are the projected Sales Tax Revenues?

The sales tax allocation for municipal use  in 2008 was $1,269,229.48 according to the IDOR SIC code reporting.  The first quarter of 2009 is down almost $14,000 from 2008, that is approximately a 5% decrease in funds. 

What can we do? 

• Spend It! In Fairfield.  Shopping options are abundant - trusted and valued, new and interesting stores - downtown, midtown and shopping centers.  Check them out; you'll find your services conveniently located.  Time is money.  The less driving you do, the more money you'll save at the gas pump and the more you have to spend on purchases.

• Continue to patronize your favorite businesses in Fairfield. And, try new ones.

• For larger taxable purchases usch as appliance, building supplies and vehicles, shop and compare.  Ask the local dealer if he can match or come close to his competitor.

• Save energy and relax by dining locally.  Driving to the next town will use a gallon or more of gasoline and leave you less time to enjoy your dining experience.  Stay close to home and you may save enough for an extra dessert or appetizer.

What are the Largest Sales tax Generators?

There are 10 categories of businesses listed on the Illinois Department of Revenues' SIC code reporting  tax website.  (http://www.revenue.state.il.us/ - tax stats) 

1. General Merchandise

2. Food

3. Drinking & Eating Places

4. Apparel

5. Furniture & HH & Radio

6. Lumber, Bldg, Hardware

7. Automotive & Fillins Stations

8. Drugs & Misc. Retail

9. Agriculture & All Others

10. Manufacturers

For the past two years those categories reporting the largest tax for Fairfield are

1. General Merchandise
2. Automotive & Fillinng Stations

3. Agriculture & All Others

4. Drugs & Misc. Retail

Remember  Spend It! In Fairfield. Buying Here Benefits You!