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1. What is property tax?

Property tax is a local tax that is imposed by local government taxing districts and is based on a property’s value. Property taxes are collected and spent at the local level and are a major source of tax revenue for local government taxing districts.

2. Who pays property taxes and who is affected by them?

Anyone who owns real property such as land, buildings, and permanent fixtures (i.e. fences, landscaping, driveways, sewers, or drains) must pay property taxes.

Every person and business in Illinois is affected by property taxes - they either pay the tax or receive services or benefits that are paid for by property taxes.

3. What if I object to my tax bill?

If you think that your tax bill is not fair you must pay the taxes and file a tax objection complaint with the Circuit Clerk (also known as a payment under protest). You must also appear in court to explain the objection to the tax bill amount. View the following link for Circuit Clerk contact information. Circuit Clerk

4. What if I don't receive my tax bill?

According to state statute a taxpayer is still responsible for a tax even if a bill is not received.

Statute 35 ILCS 200/20-15
… The failure or neglect of the collector to mail the bill, or the failure of the taxpayer to receive the bill, shall not affect the validity of any tax, or the liability for the payment of any tax.”

Taxes are always due the 1st week of June and the 1st week of September of each year. If you do not receive a bill by the middle of May you need to call the Treasurer’s Office (309) 888-5180 so that we can mail you a duplicate bill. When you call we will look up the mailing address of the bill to make sure that it is correct, if a change needs to be made you will need to contact the County Assessor’s Office (309) 888-5130.

If a mortgage company should request a duplicate bill we are required to charge the mortgage company $5.00 per Statute 35 ILCS 200/20-12

35 ILCS 200/20-12
The collector, upon approval by the county board, shall assess a fee of up to $5 for each duplicate tax bill provided to any mortgage lender as defined in Section 1-90 who is not the property owner of record. All amounts collected under this Section shall be deposited into the Tax Sale Automation Fund established in Section 21-245 of this Code.

5. How much are interest penalties and when are interest charges assessed?

The interest penalty is 1.5% per month and in order to follow Statute 35 ILCS 200/21-15 interest charges begin the day after the due date.

Statute 35 ILCS 200/21-15

“ Except as otherwise provided in this Section or Section 21-40, all property upon which the first installment of taxes remains unpaid on June 1 annually shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest after June 1 at the rate of 1 ½% per month or portion thereof…all property upon which the second installment of taxes remains due and unpaid on September 1, annually, shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest after September 1 at the same interest rate…Payment received by mail and postmarked on or before the required due date is not delinquent.”

6. How is my tax bill calculated?

The tax bill takes into account the any new assessment and the new tax rate. The total tax is calculated by multiplying the Total Tax Rate by the Taxable Assessed Value (divided by 100). This amount equals the total taxes due on the parcel for the year.
The Total Tax Rate represents the taxes paid to each taxing body per $100.00 of Taxable Assessed Value.
The Taxable Assessed Value represents the Equalized Assessment less the Exemptions that a taxpayer is entitled to.

7. How much is the convenience fee for paying by credit card?

Click here for convenience fee schedule

8. Where can I pay my taxes?

Click here for payment information

9. What if I have sold the property?

It takes a number of months for the name change to go through all of the departments until it is finally changed on the tax bill. If you receive a tax bill for a parcel that you have sold please forward the bill on to the new owner and then contact the County Assessor’s Office at (309) 888-5130 to see when and if the change has been made.

10. Can I make a partial payment?

No. Partial payments cannot be accepted, payment must be made in full.

11. Does the Treasurer's Office send receipts for taxes that are paid?

No, we no longer send receipts for taxes that have been paid. Your canceled check or bank statement can serve as a receipt or if you need an actual receipt just call our office at (309) 888-5180 and we would be glad to send you one.

12. Who do I call if there is a problem with my tax bill?

If there is a problem with your assessment, exemptions, or the address the bill is mailed to you need to call the County Assessor’s Office at (309) 888-5130.

If you didn’t receive your bill or have misplaced your bill you can call our office at (309) 888-5180.

Or if you have any other questions please call us and we will be glad to help you.