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Kane County Tax Information The Illinois property tax system is complex and can be overwhelming to many citizens. In Kane County, it involves assessing more than 190,000 parcels with a total market value of more than $50 billion, calculating tax rates for 671 taxing districts, and collecting more than 381,000 tax payments (2008 statistics). Exemptions Exemptions reduce the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) by a specific amount; the actual tax savings depends on the tax rate for the specific property.
For more information, call the County Assessment Office at (630) 208-3818. Other Taxpayer Assistance Programs The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program allows qualified senior citizens to defer part or all of the property taxes on their personal residence. It’s a form of a loan with a 6% interest rate to be repaid after the taxpayer’s death or at the time the property is sold. Contact the Kane County Treasurer for more information.The annual application period is January 1 to March 1. Illinois Cares Rx Circuit Breaker Grants provide low-income senior citizens and disabled citizens yearly grants to help pay property taxes. To apply, you need to complete Form IL-1363. You may get this form online at www.cbrx.il.gov/aging or call 1-800-624-2459. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why are my taxes so high? A: Your taxes may be high (or higher than they were last year) for any or all of three general reasons. First, the taxing districts in which your property is located may have asked for more property tax money than they received the year before, or a referendum may have been approved in your area. Second, your tax bill may be higher than bills for similar properties in the same district because your property is over assessed relative to these properties. Finally, your taxes may be high because other properties in a taxing district are receiving statutorily allowed exemptions. Q: What can I do to minimize my property tax burden? A: Call the County Assessment Office to verify that you are receiving the exemptions for which you qualify. If you have questions about the rate charged by a specific taxing body, we suggest that you contact that taxing body. If you have specific questions about your assessed valuation, please contact your township assessor. Q: How is my property’s assessment determined? A: For most non-farm property, the Township Assessor estimates the fair cash value of the property, and then develops an assessed value based on 33.33% of that fair cash value of the property as of January 1 of the assessment year, based on the three prior years of sales. The Supervisor of Assessments then equalizes all assessments to provide for uniform valuations in the County. Information about farm assessments can be obtained from the County Assessment Office. Q: Can my assessment be appealed? A: Yes. We recommend first discussing your assessment with the township assessor. If you wish to formally appeal your assessment, you can file a complaint with the Kane County Board of Review. There are generally three bases for appealing an assessment:
Please note that the state Property Tax Appeal Board has consistently ruled that the amount of taxes or percentage of change in value from one year to the next is not a valid basis for an appeal. Q: When can assessment complaints be filed? A: By state law, assessment complaints for a township may be filed up to 30 days after a reassessment notice is published in a local newspaper. Taxpayers can receive e-mail notification of assessment roll publication by visiting www.KaneCountyAssessments.org , selecting the “subscribe” link, and entering your e-mail address. Q: How can I compare the assessed value of my property to the assessed values of similar homes in my area? A: You have the right to inspect the township assessor’s records, which contain assessed values as well as other information. You may inspect the records for any parcel of property, as well as the records for your own property, subject to reasonable regulations set down by local officials. Q: Will I be notified if my assessment is going to be increased? A: If the Township Assessor changes your assessment, you will be notified by U.S. Mail sent to the same address where your tax bill is sent; the change will also be published in a local newspaper. If your assessment is changed by the application of an equalization factor, the multiplier will be published in a local newspaper. Q: When I get my tax bill, is it too late to complain? A: Yes, it is too late unless you have already taken your complaint to the Board of Review. Q: What will happen if I don’t pay my property taxes? A: Your taxes may be sold at the annual tax sale. If your taxes are sold, you will retain the right to redeem your property for two and one-half years if it is your principal dwelling. Other property must be redeemed within two years. To redeem it, you will have to pay costs and interest in addition to any tax due. Contact the Tax Redemption Department. Q: My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I get a bill? A: Most mortgage companies pay electronically, and do not require a bill. We suggest that you contact your mortgage company to confirm. A bill is mailed to you for your records. Many school districts, park districts, and libraries require you to show your tax bill for proof of residency. Q: I did not pay my taxes last year. Where can I find out how much I owe? A: Call the Kane County Clerk and ask for a Statement of Redemption. Have your parcel number ready when you call. Q: I did not live here last year. Why did I receive a tax bill for that year? A: The tax remains with the property regardless of ownership. To determine your liability for paying the tax, check your closing statement to see if the seller gave you credit, or contact your attorney. Q: I don’t know my parcel index number (PIN); how can I get it? A: You can find your PIN by either contacting your township assessor, visiting www.KaneCountyAssessments.org and selecting “Property Search”, or by calling (630) 208-3818 during business hours. Q: If I pay by mail how can I get a receipt? A: Once your real estate tax payment has been processed, proof of payment is available on the Treasurer’s web site at www.KaneCountyTreasurer.org . Q: Is there a charge for a duplicate copy of my bill? A: If obtained from theTreasurer’s office, the cost is $2.00; however, it can be printed for free from the internet by visiting www.KaneCountyTreasurer.org . Q: What if I have other questions? A: For questions about:
Who to Contact
Kane County Clerk/Tax Extension |
