Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Livingston 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 Livingston County

Property tax is a vital source of funding for local governments, including schools, hospitals, and community services within Livingston County. The process begins with an assessment of your property's value by the county assessor’s office. This assessment aims to accurately represent your property’s market worth based on comparable properties in the area (known as “assessed value”). Once the assessed value is determined, a specific millage rate, expressed as a percentage, is applied to that value. The rate represents how much tax will be levied for each $100 of assessed value. The county levies taxes, which are then distributed to various taxing entities in the area based on their specific needs and priorities.

Available Exemptions

Livingston County offers several exemptions to eligible homeowners, including the following: * **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption is available for all homeowners who have lived in their primary residence continuously for at least two years, as well as having children under the age of 18 living with them. The homestead exemption may be claimed by a spouse or by one parent and/or child living in the home. * **Senior Citizen Exemption:** For eligible senior citizens aged 65 or older who have resided in their primary residence for at least five years, this exemption reduces property taxes based on specific income limitations. * **Disability Exemption:** Eligible individuals with disabilities, as determined by the Illinois Department of Human Services, may be granted a disability exemption that helps reduce their property tax burden. **Veteran Exemption**: Veterans who served in the armed forces for at least 90 consecutive days and meet specific eligibility criteria may qualify for this exemption. Contact the Livingston County Assessor’s office to verify eligibility requirements.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

The payment deadline for your annual property taxes is **March 1st**, but there are often multiple options available: * **Full Payment:** You can pay your entire tax bill by the deadline of March 1st. * **Installment Payments:** The county offers installment payment options, allowing you to spread out payments over a certain period, typically between January and March. * **Online Payments:** Convenient online payment options are available through the county’s official website. These methods provide secure payment processing, including credit/debit card and e-check transactions.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessed value is inaccurate or unfair, you may file an appeal with the Livingston County Assessor's Office. The appeal process involves providing evidence and documentation supporting your case. You can find detailed information about the appealing process online on the county's website or by contacting the Assessor’s office directly. Remember: It's important to maintain clear records of all documents related to your property, including deeds, tax assessments, and communication with the Assessor’s Office. These resources will help you ensure accuracy during the assessment appeals process.