Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Kankakee 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 Kankakee County

Understanding property taxes can seem complicated, but the basic principles are straightforward: your county government uses property taxes to fund public services like schools, libraries, and police departments. The process begins with an assessment of your property's value. **Property Assessment:** * Every year, a qualified assessor conducts an in-depth review of each property within Kankakee County. This includes examining the exterior condition of buildings, reviewing historical sales data on comparable properties (known as "comparables"), and considering factors like age, square footage, and location to estimate fair market value. * This estimated market value is then used to calculate your tax rate. **Millage Rates:** * Your property's assessed value is multiplied by a local millage rate - the specific tax imposed by the county for public services like schools and other local departments. These rates vary based on the location and purpose of funds collected, ultimately determining the amount of tax you pay per $100 of your home’s assessed value. You can find information about current millage rates for Kankakee County online, or by contacting the county's assessor's office directly.

Available Exemptions

Illinois offers various exemptions to property owners, which can significantly reduce their tax burden. Here are some of the most common: * **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption lowers your taxable value for primary residences that have been owned and lived in for at least 10 years. It's available for all homeowners within Illinois. * **Senior Citizen Exemption:** For homeowners aged 65 or older, this exemption can further reduce their tax burden by capping the amount they pay on property taxes. The amount of this exemption varies depending on individual circumstances and local regulations. * **Disability Exemption:** This provides eligible veterans with a significant reduction in property taxes based on disability status. The specific qualifications and calculation methods for this exemption are available through the Illinois Department of Revenue website. * **Veteran Exemption:** For qualified veterans, this exemption may offer significant savings on property tax bills. The exact details and eligibility criteria can be found on the state's official portal for veteran benefits. For further information on each exemption, please visit the Kankakee County Assessor’s Office website or consult with a local tax advisor.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding the payment schedule is essential for avoiding late fees and ensuring timely payment of your property taxes: * **Due Date:** Your payment deadline is usually set in early June, and you can pay via various methods such as online payments, mail, or in-person drop-off. * **Installment Options:** You can opt to make a monthly installment plan if you struggle with paying the entire amount at once. You will need to contact your county's Treasurer’s office for more information on available payment plans. * **Late Payments and Consequences:** Missed deadlines can result in late fees and penalties, so remember to submit payments promptly to avoid any issues. For detailed information on late payment policies, please check the Kankakee County Treasurer's website.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property assessment is inaccurate or unfair, you have the right to appeal it through a formal process: * **Initiate the Appeal:** You can submit an appeal form to the Kankakee County Assessor’s Office, providing clear justification for the discrepancy. * **Review and Response:** The assessor will review your appeal and possibly schedule a hearing where you can present your case in person. * **Appeals Timeline:** There is usually a limited time frame within which to initiate and complete the appeal process, so it's essential to contact the Assessor’s office if you have concerns or need clarification regarding deadlines. For further details on appeals procedures, please visit the Kankakee County Assessor’s Office website or contact them directly for any specific questions.