The Amusement Tax requires Chicago businesses that subscribe to and use satellite TV to pay an amusement tax directly to the City of Chicago. This tax is not collected by satellite TV providers; it is incumbent on the business to submit the tax.

Currently the tax, which is 9% of charges paid for satellite TV service, must be paid by the 15th of each month for the previous month if the total tax liability is more than $1,200 per year. If the total tax liability is less than or equal to $1,200 per year, payment may be made once a year by August 15th. Business are required to register for the tax and a tax return is due for the fiscal year July 1st through June 30th by August 15th of each year.

Many businesses were unaware of the Amusement Tax, so the City of Chicago is offering to accept the payment of the Amusement Tax from July 1, 2015 to the date of payment, waiving all interest and penalties and waiving all liability for the periods prior to July 1, 2015 as they apply to the Amusement Tax.

Please contact us if you have any questions.