Rate Breakdown

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

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in Henderson County

Property taxes are an essential part of funding public services in Illinois, including schools, police and fire protection, parks, and other essential community needs. The process for determining your property tax bill in Henderson County works as follows: **Assessment:** Your property is first assessed by the county's assessor's office based on its market value. This value can be estimated through various methods and adjusted based on factors such as age, condition, location, and recent sales data. The assessment process involves a thorough review of your property and surrounding properties. If you believe your assessment is inaccurate, you may request an appeal using the provided process outlined below. **Millage Rates:** These are specific percentages applied to your assessed value (the amount determined by your home's market value), to calculate your tax bill. The millage rate is set by the Henderson County Board of Review and reflects the total cost required for various local services within the county. The rates can vary based on the type of property, age of the building, and location in the county.

Available Exemptions

Illinois offers several exemptions that may help reduce your tax liability.

• Homestead Exemption: This exemption is typically available to homeowners who have occupied the property for at least 1 year and are planning to stay there as their primary residence. It reduces your assessed value by a specific percentage, which translates into less property taxes paid.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: If you are age 65 or older and meet certain income requirements, you may be eligible for a reduction in your property taxes.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals with permanent disabilities that impact their ability to work, live independently, or use the property might qualify.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans who served in the armed forces and meet specific eligibility requirements can often claim a veteran exemption on their assessed property value, resulting in a reduction of their property taxes.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding how to pay your property taxes on time and avoid late fees is crucial. Here's a breakdown: * **Due Date:** Your estimated tax bill is typically due on the first Monday of November each year (the exact deadline will be provided by the county assessor's office). * **Payment Options:** You can make your payments through various methods, including: * Online payments on the Henderson County website. * Mail a check or money order to the address provided by the county tax office. * In person at the local County Treasurer's Office (check for location and operating hours). * **Consequences of Late Payment:** If you fail to pay your property taxes by the deadline, penalties will be added to your bill. These penalties can include late fees and even interest charges.

Appealing Your Assessment

You have a right to appeal any assessment discrepancy in Henderson County. If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, contact the Henderson County assessor's office to initiate the appeals process. The steps typically involve:

• Reviewing Your Assessment: Gather necessary documentation and review your current tax bill for any discrepancies.
• Request an Appraisal Review: If you find significant errors in your assessment, formally request an appeal process through the assessor's office.

**Please note:** This is just a general overview of property taxes in Henderson County. Always consult with official sources like the Henderson County Assessor's Office or your local tax assessor for complete and up-to-date information on assessment, exemptions, payment deadlines, and appeal procedures.