Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Perry 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 Perry County

Property taxes are a significant source of revenue for local governments in Illinois. Understanding the process can help you estimate your tax burden and plan accordingly. Here's a breakdown of how property taxes work in Perry County:

**Assessment:** The process begins with an annual assessment of your property by the Perry County Assessor's Office. The assessed value is determined by comparing the property to similar recently sold properties (comparables) within the county and adjusting for age, condition, lot size, location, and other factors that influence a property’s market value.

**Millage Rates:** These are the local tax rates set by Perry County's elected officials to determine the amount of annual taxes levied on your property. The millage rate is expressed in mills (one mill equals one-tenth of one dollar per $100 of assessed value). These rates vary for different taxing districts and purposes, as detailed below.

Available Exemptions

Illinois offers several exemptions to help eligible homeowners avoid paying excessive property taxes:

• **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption typically grants a tax reduction based on the primary residence’s age and the homeowner's status. It aims to provide relief for long-time residents with a modest homestead.
• **Senior Citizen Exemption:** Eligible seniors, age 65 or older, may qualify for a tax reduction based on their income level. This exemption aims to help ease financial burdens for senior citizens who reside in the property for at least six months of the year.
• **Disability Exemption:** Individuals with disabilities, meeting specific criteria, may be eligible for a tax reduction. These exemptions aim to provide economic assistance to individuals facing specific challenges that impact their ability to work or participate in everyday activities.
• **Veteran Exemption:** Qualifying veterans receiving disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs can claim this exemption. This aims to alleviate the financial burden on those who have served and sacrificed for their country, particularly those with service-related disabilities.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Perry County follows a standard property tax payment schedule to ensure timely collection and compliance with deadlines. You can find detailed information about your specific requirements on the Perry County website or contact the County Treasurer’s Office directly. * **Deadlines:** Property taxes are typically due in two installments: * First installment: [Date] (e.g., January 15th) - often with a penalty for late payment * Second installment: [Date] (e.g., July 1st) – generally due by the specified deadline * **Payment Options:** The County Treasurer’s Office offers multiple convenient ways to pay your property taxes: * Online payments through their official website. * Mail payments: Address and instructions on their website * Phone payments: Call number on their website * **Late Payment Consequences:** Failure to pay property taxes by the deadline can result in late fees, penalties, and possibly even legal action by the County if your taxes aren’t paid within a certain period.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessment is incorrect or consider there may be errors in your tax bill, you have the right to file an appeal.

The process generally includes these steps:

* **Gather Documentation:** Compile evidence to support your arguments (e.g., comparable property sales, appraisals, photos). * **File a Formal Appeal:** Submit a formal request with the Perry County Assessor's Office outlining your concerns and supporting documentation. * **Attend an Appraisal Hearing:** You may have a chance to present your case in person at a hearing before the Board of Review. **Important Notes:** - Timelines for appeals vary, so contact the Perry County Assessor’s office or refer to their official website for more detailed information on deadlines and procedures.

For further details on property tax rules, exemptions, payment options, and appeals process, please visit the website of the Perry County Treasurer's Office or directly contact them for assistance.