Free Illinois General Bill of Sale
A general bill of sale documents the transfer of personal property in Illinois that does NOT have its own state title or registration system — furniture, electronics, tools, equipment, jewelry, livestock other than titled animals, collectibles, and similar. For titled items (cars, ATVs, RVs through Illinois SOS; boats through IDNR; firearms through ISP/FOID), use the dedicated process for that item. For everything else, a clear written bill of sale with description, serial numbers where applicable, price, date, and "sold as-is" language protects both parties because Illinois imposes no implied warranty on private-party sales.
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Illinois General Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Illinois state sales/use tax is 6.25% with local add-ons (often 1–4% in Cook County and Chicago, less in rural counties). Casual private-party sales by individuals not in the business of selling are generally exempt under the occasional-sale rule. Sales by businesses, dealers, or persons regularly engaged in selling that type of item ARE taxable. Purchase price thresholds and use-tax self-reporting may apply for high-value items.
Exemption: Occasional/casual sales between private individuals (not in business) are typically exempt. Sales for resale (CRT-61 certificate), production agriculture, manufacturing inputs, and certain nonprofit transactions can also qualify for exemptions.
Inspection Requirements
No inspection requirements for general personal property. For specific items (vehicles, boats, firearms, RVs, ATVs), use the dedicated bill-of-sale guidance and follow the relevant state agency rules — those have their own inspection, emissions, FOID, or registration requirements.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by None for untitled personal property; varies for titled items — not the same agency that handles cars in Illinois. Plan for separate filings.
Illinois General Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Describe the item with enough specificity to identify it: make, model, serial number, color, condition, quantity
- List the agreed price and the form of payment (cash, certified check, electronic transfer)
- Include the sale date and location
- State that the sale is "as-is, where-is, with all faults" with no warranty unless explicitly written
- Both buyer and seller print names, addresses, and signatures with date
- For high-value items ($1,000+), consider notarization or witness signatures
- Each party keeps a signed copy; if the item is titled (vehicle, boat, firearm), use the dedicated process instead
Common Pitfalls
- Using a general bill of sale for a titled item — vehicles, ATVs, RVs, boats, and firearms have their own required processes and a generic bill of sale will not transfer title
- Skipping serial numbers and detailed descriptions — vague paperwork is worthless if the item is later disputed or recovered after theft
- Verbal representations about condition not put in writing — Illinois has no implied warranty for private-party sales of used goods
- Failing to collect/remit sales tax when the seller is actually in the business of selling that category (eBay reseller, side-business seller, dealer)
- Cash sales over a few hundred dollars without a signed receipt — disputes become impossible to resolve
- Forgetting that for firearms specifically, "general bill of sale" rules do NOT apply — Illinois firearm transfers require FOID verification, waiting periods, and 10-year recordkeeping regardless of how casual the sale is
Pro Tip
Illinois general bills of sale cover untitled personal property with no state filing — but use the dedicated processes for vehicles (SOS + VSD 190 + RUT-50), boats (IDNR), and firearms (FOID + ISP) since those have separate, mandatory state requirements.