FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are questions frequently asked of the Treasurer and his staff.

My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I get a bill?

If a mortgage company has requested your bill, a message will be printed on your bill.

I did not live at this residence in 2007. Why did I receive a 2007 tax bill?

The tax remains with the property regardless of ownership. To determine your liability for paying the tax, check your closing statement to see if the seller gave you credit or contact your attorney.

My tax bill seems too high. How can I make sure it is correct?

We suggest that you call your township assessor to verify that you are receiving the exemptions for which you qualify. He or she can also answer any questions pertaining to your assessed valuation. If you have questions about the rate charged by a specific taxing body, we suggest that you contact that taxing body.

I did not pay my taxes last year. Where can I find out how much I owe?

Call the Will County Clerk at (815) 740-4623 and ask for a Statement of Redemption. Give the County Clerk your (PIN) Permanent Index Number.

I don't know my PIN. How can I get it?

Your township assessor can look up a PIN by property address or by legal description. You can also visit the Supervisor of Assessments website and search by property address.

I own multiple parcels in Will County. Can I pay with one check?

Yes, you can. Please make sure that your addition is correct, and list the PINs of the properties you are paying on your check. Include the correct stub(s) for each installment payment you are making.

If I pay by mail, how can I get a receipt?

Your cancelled check is your receipt. If you need a paid receipt, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your payment.

Is there a charge for a copy of my bill?

Yes. The charge is $2.00 per duplicate bill.

What is the Homestead Exemption?

The Homestead Exemption reduces the assessed value of your property by $5000. In order to qualify, the property must be owner-occupied. For more information, contact your township assessor.

How do I know if the assessor has put a fair value on my property?

The legal assessment level of non-agricultural property is 33 1/3 percent of the market value. To determine whether your particular assessment is fair, you must have three items of information. First, you must know the market value of your property. This is defined as the price you would accept if a willing and able buyer would offer to purchase your property at today's prices. Second, you need to know the assessed value of your property. Finally, you need to know the average percentage of market value at which similar properties in your area are assessed. With this information you will be able to figure the percentage of full value at which your property is assessed and compare that to the average assessment level for similar properties. The percentage of value at which your property is assessed should be similar to the percentage of other properties in your county. Information about farm assessments can be obtained from the Supervisor of Assessments at (815) 740-4648.

How can I compare the assessed value of my property to the assessed values of similar homes or farms in my area?

You have the right to inspect the township assessor's records, which contain assessed values as well as other information.  You may inspect the records for any parcel of property, as well as the records for your own property, subject to reasonable regulations set down by your township assessor. Assessment information is available on the Supervisor of Assessments website.  Also, every four years when all property is viewed and reassessed, a complete list of property assessments is published in a newspaper of general circulation in your county.

What can I do if I think my assessment is unfair?

You can file a complaint with the County Board of Review. If you are dissatisfied with the board's decision, contact the Supervisor of Assessments at (815) 740-4648 for additional information. You may appeal the Board of Review's decision to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.

Will I be notified if my assessment is going to be increased?

Yes. Any changes in real estate assessments must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county every year. Every four years, when all property is reassessed, a complete list of assessments will be published. In addition, taxpayers must be mailed a notice of any change in their assessment from the prior year.

When I get my tax bill, is it too late to complain?

Generally, yes, it is too late unless you have already taken your complaint to the Board of Review.

What will happen if I don't pay my property taxes?

Your taxes may be sold at the annual tax sale. If this is done, you will retain the right to redeem your property for two and one-half years if the property is your principal dwelling and it has no more than six apartment units. Other property must be redeemed within two years. To redeem your property, you will have to pay costs and interest in addition to any tax due.

Is there any special legislation to protect senior or disabled citizens from high property taxes?

Please see Senior Citizens page.

How is farm land assessed?

A parcel of land used for agricultural purposes for two years is eligible for assessment as a farm. An agricultural economic value based on net income of farms in Illinois is the basis of the assessment of crop land; other farm land is assessed based on its use. Farm homesites and dwellings are assessed at one-third of market value, but farm buildings are assessed at one-third of their contribution to the farm's productivity. Information about farm assessments can be obtained from the Supervisor of Assessments at (815) 740-4648.

Why are my taxes so high?

Your taxes may be high (or higher than they were last year) for any or all of three general reasons. First, the taxing districts in which your property is located may have asked for more property tax money than they received the year before. A district may ask for more tax money because of inflationary pressure, because it plans to provide more services, or because other revenues are being reduced. Second, your tax bill may be higher than bills for similar properties in the same district because your property is over assessed relative to these properties. Finally, your taxes may be high because other properties in a taxing district are receiving statutorily allowed exemptions.

Where do my property taxes go?

Please see Where Your Taxes Go.