Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Adams County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Adams County

In Adams County, Illinois, property taxes are determined each fiscal year by the County Assessor’s Office using a scheduled assessment cycle that typically begins in January and ends in September. The assessor evaluates each parcel based on its market value as of the effective date, which is the first day of the year following the assessment. Once the valuation is finalized, the County is divided into property classes (e.g., single‑family homes, multi‑family units, commercial, industrial) which carry a specific millage rate for each class. A millage rate is expressed as the amount per $1,000 of assessed value. The total tax burden for a property owner is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable millage rate, then dividing by 1,000. After the County, the City of Quincy and other municipal and special districts add their own millage rates, creating a combined rate that often ranges from 21 to 25 mills for residential properties. The resulting amount is the annual property tax due before any exemptions are applied.

Available Exemptions

• Homestead Exemption – Residents who occupy a primary residence as their main home qualify for a standard exemption of $8,000 in assessed value, reducing the taxable amount substantially. To receive this, renters who hold a lease of at least one year can also apply if their lease is written in their name.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Illinois law provides a “senior” exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older, or for those who are 65 or older and receive Social Security income that is not classified as taxable. The exemption amount can be up to $10,000 in assessed value for qualifying properties that meet the homestead criteria.
• Disability Exemption – Individuals who are legally registered as disabled, or whose spouse’s disability qualifies, can request a reduction in assessed value based on the type of disability. Common exemptions include a $3,750 reduction for children with disabilities or a higher reduction for owners with permanent disabilities.
• Veteran and Service Member Exemption – Veterans and qualified military personnel may receive a full exemption on their primary residence. Registering with a local veteran affairs office and providing a discharge or service letter is required. Some ranks and length of service can trigger more generous exemptions.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Adams County issues a property tax bill each August for the upcoming fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30. The deadline to pay the complete tax amount in cash or a certified check is typically the 15th of July. Homeowners can choose to pay in one installment or split the tax into two equal payments, taking the second installment on the 15th of December. All citizens and proprietors are obligated to declare their complete ownership and status on the delinquency list, so if an installer fails to pay by the July 15 deadline, a late fee of 5% will be added, and the unpaid amount may be reported to credit bureaus. Continuous delinquency can lead to a mandatory tax sale or forced transfer to the County. For residents who anticipate payment difficulty, arranging an installment agreement with the County Treasurer’s Office before the July deadline can mitigate penalties.

Appealing Your Assessment

Should you believe your property was over‑valued, you have a statutory right to file an appeal with the County Assessor’s Office within 45 days after the publication of the official assessment notice. The appeal process is straightforward:

• Gather Evidence – Collect comparable sales, recent appraisal reports, and any improvement or depreciation facts that substantiate your claim.
• Submit a Written Appeal – Provide a concise statement explaining the over‑valuation along with all supporting documents. The appeal is due at the assessor’s office or via the County’s online portal.
• Adjudication Hearing – A hearing will be scheduled by the Assessor’s Office. During the hearing, you or your attorney may present testimony and documents. The assessor will vote; a simple majority in favor of the appellant leads to a reduction.
• Final Decision – The result is granted in writing. If the appeal is denied, you may file a second appeal with the Illinois Department of Local Government Finance within 30 days or pursue a judicial review in the Circuit Court.

By following these steps and staying organized, you increase your chances of securing a lower, fair assessment for your property in Adams County.