Illinois real estate taxes are due twice a year, on June 1 and September 1

In Illinois, property owners pay real estate taxes in two installments. The first installment covers taxes from January through June and is due June 1. The second installment covers July through December and is due September 1. Both dates are firm — there is no grace period built in, though some counties offer a small discount if you pay early.

Your local county assessor's office and county treasurer handle these taxes, not the state. The amount you owe depends on your property's assessed value, your local tax rate, and any exemptions you may have access to for. If you own property in multiple counties, each county sends its own bill and sets its own due date, though both follow the statewide June 1 and September 1 schedule.

If you have a mortgage, your lender may handle tax payments for you through an escrow account. In that case, you do not pay the county directly — your lender collects money each month and pays the county on the due dates. You can confirm this by checking your mortgage statement or calling your lender's escrow department.

Key Takeaways

  • Real estate taxes in Illinois are due twice yearly: June 1 for the first half and September 1 for the second half of the year.
  • Your county treasurer collects the payment, and you can pay by mail, in person, online, or through automatic bank draft depending on your county's options.
  • If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender pays the taxes for you and you do not send money directly to the county.
  • Payments made after the due date accrue interest and penalties, which vary by county but typically start at 1.5 percent monthly interest.
  • Some counties offer an early-payment discount of 0.5 to 2 percent if you pay before the due date, so check with your treasurer's office.

How to find your bill and payment address

Your county treasurer mails property tax bills to the address on file with the county assessor. If you do not receive a bill by mid-May (for the June 1 due date) or mid-August (for the September 1 due date), contact your county treasurer's office directly. Many counties now post bills online, so you can log into the treasurer's website using your property address or parcel number to view what you owe.

To find your county treasurer's office, search "[your county name] Illinois treasurer" or visit your county's official website. The bill itself lists the payment address and the exact amount due. If you have moved or your address changed, update it with the county assessor to may support future bills reach you on time.

Payment methods and where to send money

Most Illinois counties accept payment by mail, in person at the treasurer's office, and online through the county website. Some counties also allow automatic bank draft (ACH) payments, which you can set up through the treasurer's office to pay both installments without having to remember the dates. Online payment often costs a small fee — typically $1 to $3 — but saves you a stamp and arrival time.

Pay by mail at least 10 days before the due date to account for postal delays. The bill shows the mailing address. If you pay in person, bring the bill or your parcel number and a check or money order; many offices do not accept cash. Call your county treasurer's office to confirm which payment methods they offer, because options vary by county.

What happens if you miss the due date

Payments received after June 1 or September 1 are considered late. Illinois law allows counties to charge interest starting the day after the due date. Interest rates vary by county but typically run 1.5 percent per month (18 percent annually), though some counties charge a flat penalty instead. The longer you wait, the more interest accumulates.

If taxes remain unpaid for a full year, the county may file a tax lien against your property. A lien gives the county a legal claim on your home and can affect your ability to sell or refinance. After several years of non-payment, the county can foreclose and sell your property to recover the debt. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact your county treasurer when ready to discuss payment plans or hardship options — many counties will work with you rather than let the debt grow.

Exemptions and assessment appeals

Illinois offers several property tax exemptions that can lower your bill: homeowner exemptions, senior exemptions, disabled veteran exemptions, and exemptions for certain agricultural or charitable properties. If you think you may have access to, file a claim with your county assessor's office. The important date to file is typically March 1 of the year you want the exemption to take effect, though some exemptions have different important date.

You can also challenge your property's assessed value if you believe it is too high. File an appeal with your county assessor's office or the county board of review by the important date listed on your assessment notice — usually in the spring. A lower assessment means a lower tax bill. Many counties offer free assessment review services, and some have staff who can explain the process.

If you own property in multiple Illinois counties

Each county sends its own tax bill and collects its own payment. Both bills are due on the statewide dates (June 1 and September 1), but the amounts and payment addresses differ. You will receive separate bills from each county treasurer. Set reminders for both due dates, or set up automatic payments with each county to avoid missing a important date.

If you have a mortgage on a multi-county property, your lender's escrow account should cover taxes in all counties where you own land. Confirm this with your lender, because some escrow accounts are set up for only one parcel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Illinois property taxes online?

Most Illinois counties offer online payment through their treasurer's website. You typically enter your parcel number or property address, view the amount due, and pay by credit card or bank transfer. Check your county treasurer's website or call their office to confirm they offer this option and whether there is a processing fee.

What is the penalty for paying late?

Late payments accrue interest at a rate set by your county, usually 1.5 percent per month. Some counties charge a flat penalty instead. The exact rate appears on your tax bill or the county treasurer's website. Interest begins the day after the due date and compounds monthly, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income?

Illinois does not have a blanket exemption for fixed-income homeowners, but you may may have access to for a homeowner exemption, senior exemption, or property tax deferral program depending on your age and income. Contact your county assessor's office to learn which programs you may be may be able to access for and how the process works.

What happens if my lender pays my taxes but I disagree with the amount?

If you believe your escrow payment is incorrect, contact your lender's escrow department and ask them to review the calculation. You can also contact your county treasurer to verify the amount due on your bill. If there is a discrepancy, your lender can adjust future escrow payments or refund overpayments.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount by June 1?

Many Illinois counties will work with property owners who cannot pay in full by the due date. Contact your county treasurer's office as soon as possible to discuss options. Some counties offer short-term payment plans or may defer payment in cases of hardship, though interest will still accrue on the unpaid balance.