What the Will County Tax Collector Does
The Will County Tax Collector is an elected official who collects property taxes on behalf of the county and passes the money to schools, municipalities, and other local bodies that depend on it. The office does not set tax rates — the county assessor determines your property value, and local governments set their own rates. The Tax Collector's job is to bill you, collect what you owe, and distribute the funds.
The Tax Collector's office handles the mechanics of the tax system: they send bills, accept payments, maintain records of what you have paid, and pursue collection on unpaid taxes. If you have questions about how much you owe, when it is due, or how to pay, this is the office to contact. If you dispute the value the assessor placed on your property, you would contact the assessor's office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Property tax bills in Will County are mailed by the Tax Collector's office, typically in the spring for taxes due later that year.
- You can pay online through the Tax Collector's website, by mail, in person at their office in Joliet, or by phone.
- The Tax Collector maintains searchable records of your property tax account, including payment history and what you currently owe.
- If your bill does not arrive or you lose it, you can look up your account online or call the office to find out what you owe.
- Unpaid property taxes accrue interest and can eventually result in a tax sale of your property, so contacting the office early if you cannot pay is important.
How to Find Your Property Tax Bill Online
The Will County Tax Collector maintains an online property search tool on their website where you can look up your account by address or parcel number. The search is free and does not require a login. You can see your current balance, payment history, and the dates taxes are due.
If you do not know your parcel number, you can search by the street address of the property. The system will show you what you owe for the current year and any prior years, and it will tell you whether your payment has been received. This is the fastest way to check your balance if your bill is lost or you need the information outside business hours.
Ways to Pay Your Property Taxes
The Will County Tax Collector accepts payment through multiple channels. Online payment through their website is available 24 hours a day and typically processes when ready or within one business day. You will need your parcel number or address to set up the payment.
You can also pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the Tax Collector's office in Joliet. Include your bill or parcel number so the payment is credited to the correct account. Payment by phone is available during business hours — the office staff can take a credit or debit card payment over the phone.
In-person payment at the Tax Collector's office is an option if you prefer to hand over a check or cash directly. The office is located at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. Bring your bill or know your parcel number so staff can process the payment correctly.
Understanding Tax Due Dates and Payment important date
Property taxes in Will County are billed twice per year. The first installment is typically due in June, and the second is typically due in September. The exact dates appear on your bill. If you pay after the due date, interest accrues at a rate set by state law — currently 1.5 percent per month on the unpaid balance.
The Tax Collector's office sends bills by mail, but you are responsible for paying on time whether or not you receive the bill. If your bill does not arrive, check your account online or call the office to confirm what you owe and when it is due. Waiting for a bill to arrive is not a defense against late fees or interest.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
Unpaid property taxes do not straightforward disappear. Interest begins to accrue when ready after the due date at 1.5 percent per month. After a certain period of non-payment — typically around two years — the county can place your property in a tax sale. At a tax sale, the county sells the right to collect the debt to an investor or back to the county itself.
If an investor buys your tax debt at a sale, they can eventually foreclose on your property and take ownership if the debt remains unpaid. This is a serious consequence, and it happens automatically unless you pay or work out a payment plan. If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the Tax Collector's office when ready to discuss options.
Contacting the Will County Tax Collector
The Tax Collector's office is located at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about your account, make a payment, or discuss payment arrangements. The office website lists the phone number, mailing address, and hours of operation.
If you are having financial difficulty and cannot pay your taxes in full, call the office to explain your situation. Some counties offer payment plans or can provide information about property tax relief programs that may be available to you based on your age, disability, or income. The Tax Collector's office can point you toward these resources or tell you where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Will County property taxes online?
Yes. The Tax Collector's website has an online payment system where you can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. You will need your parcel number or property address. Payments typically process within one business day.
What if I lost my property tax bill?
You can look up your account on the Tax Collector's website using your address or parcel number to see what you owe and when it is due. You can also call the office during business hours and staff will tell you the balance and due date. You do not need the physical bill to pay.
How much interest will I owe if I pay late?
Interest accrues at 1.5 percent per month on the unpaid balance, starting the day after the due date. The longer you wait, the more interest you owe. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Tax Collector's office to discuss a payment plan before interest builds up.
What is a tax sale and how does it affect me?
A tax sale happens when property taxes go unpaid for about two years. The county sells the right to collect the debt to an investor or keeps it. If an investor buys it, they can eventually foreclose on your property and take ownership. Paying your taxes or contacting the office to set up a payment plan prevents this.
Does Will County offer property tax relief for seniors or people with disabilities?
Illinois offers property tax relief programs for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans, but the rules and income limits vary. The Tax Collector's office can tell you whether you may be may be able to access and where to explore. You typically explore through the county assessor's office, not the Tax Collector.