Rate Breakdown

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

Understanding your property taxes in Mason County, Illinois, is crucial for effective budgeting and ensuring you're paying your fair share. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how property taxes are calculated, available exemptions, payment schedules, and the process for appealing your assessment.

How Property Tax Works in Mason County

In Mason County, as throughout Illinois, property taxes are based on your property's assessed value. The assessment process begins with the Mason County Supervisor of Assessments determining the fair market value of your property. By state law, residential properties are assessed at 33.33% (one-third) of their estimated fair market value. This assessed value is then subject to an equalization factor, or "multiplier," applied by the Illinois Department of Revenue to ensure uniform assessments across all counties in the state. The result is your Equalized Assessed Value (EAV).

Your final property tax bill is calculated by multiplying your EAV (after any applicable exemptions) by the combined tax rates of all taxing districts serving your property. These districts include the county, townships, school districts, fire protection districts, park districts, libraries, and more. Each district sets its own levy, which translates into a specific tax rate (often expressed per $100 of EAV). The sum of these individual rates makes up your total tax rate.

Available Exemptions

Illinois offers several exemptions that can reduce your property's Equalized Assessed Value (EAV), thereby lowering your tax bill. Eligibility for these exemptions is determined by the Mason County Supervisor of Assessments office:

• General Homestead Exemption (GHE): For properties that are the primary residence of the owner, this exemption reduces the EAV by up to $6,000.
• Homestead Improvement Exemption (HIE): If you make qualifying improvements to your home that increase its value, this exemption defers the increase in assessment up to $75,000 of assessed value for four years.
• Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners aged 65 or older by January 1st of the tax year, reducing the EAV by $5,000.
• Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemption: For low-income seniors (age 65+ with household income below a state-determined threshold), this exemption freezes the EAV at a base amount, preventing tax increases due to rising property values.
• Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities: Reduces the EAV by $2,000 for homeowners with a qualifying disability.
• Veterans with Disabilities Exemption (SDVHE): Provides a significant EAV reduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities, with the amount varying based on the disability percentage certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption: A $5,000 EAV reduction for two consecutive tax years for veterans returning from active duty abroad.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Mason County, Illinois, are typically collected in two installments for the prior year's taxes. While the exact dates can shift slightly each year based on the Mason County Treasurer's office's mailing schedule and calendar adjustments, the general deadlines are:

• First Installment: Due on or around June 1st.
• Second Installment: Due on or around September 1st.

The Mason County Treasurer's office provides various payment options, including online payments, mail, or in-person at their office. It is crucial to pay by the due dates to avoid penalties. Late payments accrue interest at a rate of 1.5% per month (or any portion of a month) until the taxes are paid in full. Persistent delinquency can lead to your property being offered for sale at a tax sale, which can eventually result in loss of ownership.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessment is inaccurate or unfairly high, you have the right to appeal it. The appeal process in Mason County typically involves these steps:

1. Receive Your Assessment Notice: The Mason County Supervisor of Assessments sends out notices of assessment. This notice indicates your new assessed value and the deadline for filing an appeal, which is usually 30 days from the publication date of the assessments.
2. File with the Board of Review: Your initial appeal must be filed with the Mason County Board of Review. You will need to complete a formal complaint form, providing supporting documentation such as comparable sales of similar properties in your area, a recent appraisal, or evidence of errors in your property's description.
3. Present Your Case: The Board of Review may schedule a hearing where you can present your arguments and evidence in person.
4. Board of Review Decision: After reviewing your evidence, the Board of Review will issue a decision.
5. Appeal to PTAB (Optional): If you are not satisfied with the Board of Review's decision, you can further appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) at the state level. There are strict deadlines for filing with PTAB as well.

It's important to act promptly within the specified appeal window and gather strong evidence to support your claim.