Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Fayette County

In Fayette County, Illinois, property tax is based on the assessed value of real estate and the aggregate millage rates set by the county’s governing bodies. The assessment cycle begins each spring when the county assessor’s office appraises market values of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. These values are reported on the yearly assessment notice sent to property owners.

The tax amount is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the total millage rate—the sum of county, township, school district, and special district rates expressed in mills (1 mill = 1/1000 of a dollar). For example, if a property’s assessed value is $300,000 and the combined millage rate is 20 mills, the annual tax bill would be $6,000. The County Treasurer’s Office reviews and verifies the assessed values and rates to ensure compliance with state guidelines.

Available Exemptions

• Homestead Exemption – Provides a base exemption of $500,000 for primary residences, reducing taxable value.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Eligibility requires age 65+ and filing a formal application; grants an additional $125,000 exemption for owned or rented homes.
• Disability Exemption – A $1,000 exemption for qualified persons with disabilities filing through the Department of Administration.
• Veteran Exemption – Veterans receive a $0.5 million exemption, with additional benefits for disabled service members.

All exemptions must be filed annually. Forms are available from the County Clerk’s Office or online via the county’s official website. Failure to apply can result in full taxation on your property value.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Fayette County divides the annual tax bill into two installments—April 30th and November 5th. The first installment, one‑third of the total tax, is due by April 30th, while the remaining two‑thirds are due by November 5th. Properties may opt for a single payment or a more flexible schedule through the Treasurer’s payment plan, which allows spacing payments in smaller, monthly amounts.

Late payments incur a penalty of 1% per month on the overdue amount, and delinquent accounts may be sold to a collection agency after a 90‑day arrears period. Additionally, interest accrues at a state‑determined rate, increasing the tax burden over time. Timely payment avoids these added costs and keeps your property records clear.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is incorrect, you have five business days from the receipt of the assessment notice to file an appeal with the Fayette County Property Assessor’s Office. The appeal process includes three steps:

• Submission of Documentation – Gather supporting evidence such as recent sales comparables, appraisals, or photographs.
• Reviewer Hearing – A county assessor or independent reviewer will convene a hearing to discuss the evidence.
• Determination – The decision is final after the hearing; if you disagree, you may appeal to the Illinois Court of Appeals within 30 days.

During the appeal, you can temporarily reduce your tax bill by paying the provisional amount, mitigating potential collections while the case is reviewed.