What's on your Will County property tax bill
Your Will County property tax bill lists the amount you owe to the county, school districts, municipalities, and other local bodies that serve your property. The bill shows the assessed value of your home or land, the tax rate applied to that value, and the total due. It also displays the payment important date and where to send your check or make an online payment.
Will County Treasurer's Office sends these bills once a year, typically in late spring or early summer. The bill covers taxes for the calendar year and is usually due by the end of June, though the exact important date appears on your specific bill. If you own property in Will County, you will receive one bill even if your property is served by multiple taxing bodies—the bill combines all of them into one total.
Key Takeaways
- Your Will County property tax bill shows the assessed value, tax rates from each taxing body, and the total amount due in one document.
- Bills are mailed once yearly and are typically due by the end of June, with the exact important date printed on your bill.
- You can pay by mail, in person at the Treasurer's Office in Joliet, or online through the county's payment portal.
- If you miss the June important date, penalties and interest begin to accrue, and unpaid taxes can eventually lead to a tax sale of your property.
- Homeowners over 65, disabled homeowners, and veterans may reduce their tax burden through exemptions or deferral programs.
Understanding the numbers on your bill
The assessed value is the dollar amount the county assessor has assigned to your property. This is not the market value or what you paid for it—it is typically 33.3 percent of the estimated market value in Illinois. The tax rate, shown as a percentage or decimal, is multiplied by the assessed value to calculate your tax bill. Different taxing bodies (the school district, municipality, park district, library) each have their own rate, and the bill adds them all together.
Your bill will break down the tax by taxing body so you can see how much goes to schools, how much to the city or village, and how much to other services. The total at the bottom is what you owe. If you have a mortgage, your lender may have set up an escrow account to pay taxes on your behalf, in which case you should check with them before paying the bill directly.
How to pay your Will County tax bill
The Will County Treasurer's Office accepts payments by mail, in person, and online. To pay by mail, write a check payable to "Will County Treasurer," include your property identification number (shown on the bill), and send it to the address listed on the bill. Payment by mail should arrive before the due date to avoid late fees.
To pay in person, visit the Will County Treasurer's Office in Joliet during business hours. The office accepts cash, check, and card payments. Online payment is available through the county's website—search for "Will County Treasurer online payment" to find the portal. Online payments typically process within one to two business days, so submit them a few days before the important date. Some online payment methods charge a convenience fee, which will be disclosed before you complete the transaction.
What happens if you miss the important date
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, penalties and interest begin to accrue. Illinois law allows the county to add interest at a rate set by the state each year—currently around 1 percent per month, though this rate changes annually. A penalty of 1.5 percent is also added to unpaid taxes.
If taxes remain unpaid for a full year, the property enters the tax sale process. The county publishes a list of delinquent properties, and investors can bid to purchase the tax lien. If the lien is sold and you do not pay the debt within a redemption period (typically two to three years depending on the sale date), the investor can foreclose and take ownership of the property. Contacting the Treasurer's Office when ready if you cannot pay by the important date is important—they may discuss payment plans or other options.
Exemptions and deferrals that may reduce your bill
Illinois offers several programs that can lower your property tax bill or delay payment. Homeowners age 65 or older may may have access to for the Senior Homestead Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of a primary residence. Disabled homeowners and disabled veterans may also may have access to for exemptions. To claim an exemption, you must file a form with the Will County Assessor's Office by a specific important date—usually in early spring of the year the exemption applies.
The Property Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners age 65 or older with a household income below a certain threshold to postpone paying property taxes. The taxes are not forgiven; they are deferred and become due when you sell the property or pass it to an heir. You must reapply each year. Contact the Will County Assessor's Office to learn the current income limits and filing important date for these programs.
Challenging your assessed value
If you believe the assessed value on your bill is too high, you can file a complaint with the Will County Board of Review. The Board of Review hears objections to assessments and can order a reduction if the value is found to be excessive or inequitable. You must file a complaint by a specific important date—usually in the spring following the year the assessment was made—so check the county website for the exact date.
To file, submit a form available from the Board of Review office and include evidence supporting your claim, such as a recent appraisal, comparable sales in your neighborhood, or documentation of property damage or defects. You may also attend a hearing to present your case in person. If the Board of Review denies your complaint, you can appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, though this process involves additional forms and fees.
Finding your bill and payment information online
The Will County Treasurer's Office website allows you to search for your property tax bill using your property identification number or address. You can view the bill, see payment history, and access the online payment portal from the same site. The Assessor's Office website also provides tools to look up assessed values and file exemption claims.
If you cannot locate your bill or need clarification on any line item, contact the Treasurer's Office directly by phone or visit in person. Staff can explain what each charge represents and answer questions about payment options. Having your property identification number or address ready will speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay my property taxes through my mortgage escrow account?
Your lender handles the payment on your behalf, and you should not pay the bill separately. However, you may still want to review the bill to understand what you are paying for and verify the amount is correct. If you believe the assessed value is wrong, you can still file a complaint with the Board of Review.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount by June?
The Will County Treasurer's Office may work with you on payment arrangements if you contact them before the important date. Call or visit in person to discuss your situation. Waiting until after the important date will result in penalties and interest, making the total owed larger.
Why did my tax bill increase from last year?
Your bill can increase if the assessed value of your property went up, if tax rates in your district increased, or if new taxing bodies now serve your property. Review the breakdown on your bill to see which component changed. If you think the assessed value is wrong, you can challenge it with the Board of Review.
How do I know if I may have access to for the Senior Homestead Exemption?
You must be at least 65 years old and own a home in Illinois that is your primary residence. Income limits explore and vary by year. Contact the Will County Assessor's Office for the current income threshold and to request an exemption form. You must file by the important date to receive the exemption that year.
What is the difference between a tax bill and a tax sale notice?
A tax bill is the annual notice of what you owe. A tax sale notice is sent only if your taxes remain unpaid for a full year and the property is being offered for sale to cover the debt. If you receive a tax sale notice, contact the Treasurer's Office when ready, as you may still have time to pay and stop the sale.