Q: Home values have been declining, so why is my bill higher?
A: There are several factors that could make your tax bill increase: an increase in the property equalized assessed value, an increase in tax rates, which come from the individual taxing districts and new referendums approved by voters. Keep in mind, the assessment for your current bill is calculated as of January 2009.

Q: Will partial payments be accepted once the bills have been sent out?

A:  Yes, partial payments can be made by mail or at the Treasurer's Office, with the understanding that the remaining balances due after the due dates could be subject to interest.

Q: What if, for some reason, I am altogether unable to pay my taxes? Will I lose my property?
A:  According to Illinois State Statue, the County Treasurer must hold an annual tax sale to sell unpaid property taxes, drainage and special assessments. Please remember that the county is not selling the property at the sale, but rather, the unpaid taxes. The homeowner has at least two years to pay the redemption. It should be noted that the longer the homeowner waits to redeem these taxes, the more the interest could be.

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