Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Union 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 Union County

Property taxes are essential to support local governments and schools in Union County. They fund services like police, fire protection, public education, and parks, among others. Here's a breakdown of the process:

**Assessment Process:** Every property in Union County is valued by the county assessor based on fair market value (FMV). This assessment helps determine how much you owe for property tax each year.

**The millage rate plays a crucial role:** This is the tax rate applied to your assessed value, expressed as a number of mills. The millage rate is set by the County Board of Supervisors and represents the specific amount of tax needed to fund local services. It's important to remember that each taxing district (county, city, school districts) has its own millage rates.

Available Exemptions

Union County offers several exemptions to help eligible homeowners save on property taxes. These exemptions can significantly reduce your overall tax burden:

• Homestead Exemption: This exemption allows you to subtract up to $10,000 from your assessed value. It helps families maintain affordable housing and reduces property tax burdens.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Provides an additional $3,500 discount for qualified seniors aged 65 years or older. This exemption ensures continued financial security for seniors residing in Union County.
• Disability Exemption: Offers a substantial tax reduction for homeowners with disabilities, allowing them to claim a maximum of $10,000 deduction from their assessed value.
• Veteran Exemption: This exemption offers eligible veterans a tax break based on years of service and is a valuable benefit for those who served our nation.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding your payment schedule can help ensure you meet deadlines without penalty. Here's a general overview:

**Property Taxes:**

• **Due Date:** Property taxes are typically due by the end of February or early March, with late fees applied if payments aren't made by the deadline. Check your county assessment notice for specific deadlines and payment information.
• **Payment Options:** You can make payments in various ways: online through the county website, by mail, in person at the County Treasurer's Office or designated locations, or by phone.
• **Late Payments:** Late fees apply to unpaid property taxes after the due date; this could impact your credit score and increase penalties.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your assessment is incorrect, the appeals process in Union County allows you to challenge it. Follow these steps for a fair assessment review:

**How to Appeal:** Begin by gathering relevant documentation like property photos, comparable properties' recent sale prices, or evidence showing discrepancies with the assessed value.

• Contact the Assessor's Office: File an appeal with the Union County Assessor's office, outlining your concerns. This can be done via phone, email, or in person at their office location.
• **Formal Appeal Form:** Complete a formal appeal form provided by the county assessor's office and submit all supporting documentation as mentioned above.
• Hearings: If your appeal is not resolved through correspondence, you may be invited to a hearing. This will allow you to present your case to an impartial examiner with the possibility of a final decision.