Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Tazewell 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 Tazewell County

Understanding how property tax works is crucial to ensuring you're paying your fair share and receiving accurate information about your property taxes. In Tazewell County, Illinois, property taxes work on a tiered system, determined by the combined effort of the county assessor, local taxing bodies (school districts, etc.), and the state of Illinois. **Property Assessment:** Every property in Tazewell County is assessed annually by the county's Assessor. The assessment process involves evaluating properties to determine their current market value, which factors in size, location, condition, and age. This ensures a comprehensive picture of each home or commercial building within the county. **Millage Rates:** After an assessment is finalized, a millage rate for your property's assessed value is determined by the local taxing districts that operate within Tazewell County. These rates are expressed in mills (1 mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The millage rates differ across various taxing bodies like school districts and other special purpose districts. To calculate your property tax liability, multiply the assessed value of your property by the relevant millage rate for that specific taxing body. You can access a breakdown of these rates on the Tazewell County website or by contacting the local tax assessor's office directly.

Available Exemptions

Illinois offers various exemptions to eligible homeowners and other individuals who meet certain requirements: * **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption allows you to reduce your property taxes based on the age of your home, especially if it has been owned and occupied by you for a period of time. * **Senior Citizen Exemption:** This exemption helps senior citizens living in their homes with low incomes. * **Disability Exemption:** Individuals who qualify due to disability, often receiving a pension or other benefits, can benefit from this specific exemption to lower their property taxes. * **Veteran Exemption:** This exemption is available for veterans who served in the armed forces and are disabled as a result of their service. It's important to note that eligibility criteria vary according to each exemption program and may change over time. For detailed information about these exemptions, you should visit the Illinois Department of Revenue website or contact the Tazewell County Assessor’s Office for specifics on your situation.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding when and how to pay your property taxes is essential. Typically, payments are due annually in October or November. However, this may vary depending on local requirements. * **Payment Deadline:** The deadline for paying the annual property tax bill is usually in October or November of each year. You can find a specific payment date on your property tax statement or by contacting the county's treasurer’s office. * **Payment Options:** You can pay your property taxes through various methods: * **Online Payments:** The most convenient option. Visit the county's online portal for secure and prompt payments. * **Mail Payments:** Mail a check or money order to the County Treasurer’s Office address, ensuring you include the account number and relevant information. * **In-Person Payments:** You can visit the County Treasurer's office in person during business hours to make a payment and receive receipt confirmation. * **Late Payment Consequences:** Failing to pay your property taxes on time may result in late fees and penalties, which could accrue interest over time. This could significantly impact your financial situation.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe that the assessment on your property is unfair, there are specific procedures to follow to appeal your assessment: * **Request a Hearing:** Submit your written appeal request to the Tazewell County Board of Review within a certain timeframe. This allows for an in-person hearing with the Assessor’s Office. You can find more details about the process and deadline on the official website or contact the Assessors' office directly. Remember that accurate property assessment is critical for fair taxes.