Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Lee 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 Lee County

Property tax is an essential part of funding local government services like schools, police and fire departments, libraries, and parks. In Illinois, property tax follows specific rules outlined by state law that aim to provide transparency and fairness. Here's a simplified overview: * **Assessment:** Your property is first assessed by the Lee County Assessor’s office. This assessment considers factors such as your property's market value, building characteristics, and location (zoning). * **Mill Rate:** The millage rate is the tax rate applied to your property's assessed value. It's expressed in terms of "mills" per $100 of assessed value. The Lee County Board of Appeals sets this rate. The millage rate determines the overall level of property taxes you pay, and it can vary significantly depending on individual municipalities and their needs.

Available Exemptions

Illinois offers various exemptions to help homeowners and other eligible individuals reduce their tax burden. Here are some common ones: * **Homestead Exemption:** If you own your home as your principal residence, you can claim the homestead exemption in Illinois. It typically reduces your assessed value by a fixed amount (currently around $10,500 for Lee County). * **Senior Citizen Exemption:** This exemption allows homeowners aged 65 or older to reduce their assessed value by an amount that varies by county. The exact amount is determined by the State of Illinois. * **Disability Exemption:** The disability exemption is available to individuals with disabilities who require substantial aid and supervision for daily living. It typically reduces your property taxes based on the amount you qualify for, which is set by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). * **Veteran Exemption:** This exemption allows eligible veterans who meet specific requirements to reduce their assessed value. The amount varies by county. To learn about eligibility for these exemptions and how to apply, visit the Lee County Assessor's website or contact the assessor's office directly.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax payments in Illinois are typically made annually (typically between October and December). The exact deadlines may vary from year to year, but you can find them on your property tax bill or on the Lee County Assessor’s website. **Important:** * **Installment Options:** Most properties in Lee County can pay their taxes in installments through online payment systems like PayIllinois.com and other designated vendors. This allows for flexibility in managing payments, but remember late fees may apply if you miss your installment deadlines. * **Late Payment Consequences:** Failing to make timely property tax payments can result in penalties and interest charges. It's best to stay on top of your payments. You can also contact the Lee County Treasurer’s office for information regarding payment options, late fees, or any questions about your tax bill.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to file an appeal with the Lee County Board of Appeals. Here's a general overview: 1. **Gather Information:** Document any evidence that supports your case – such as recent comparable property sales or construction updates impacting your house value. 2. **File an Appeal:** You can download the required appeal form from the Lee County Assessor's website. Be sure to follow the instructions for submitting your appeal and supporting documentation. The deadline to file usually falls within a specific timeframe after the assessment year ends. **Remember**: It’s important to be thorough, accurate, and concise in your appeal. Contact the Lee County Assessor’s office if you have any questions or require assistance during the process.