What you pay and who collects it
Will County property taxes are collected by your township assessor and township collector, not by Will County itself. You receive one bill that combines taxes for multiple taxing bodies — your school district, park district, library, and other local services — but the county does not directly tax your home. The total you owe depends on your home's assessed value, the tax rates set by each of those districts, and any exemptions you may have.
Your property tax bill arrives once a year, usually in late spring or early summer, and covers the taxes due for that calendar year. The bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate for each district, and the amount owed to each one. If you do not pay by the important date — typically in early September for the first installment — the county adds interest and penalties.
Will County has 19 townships, and each one handles assessment and collection for properties within its boundaries. This means the process and timing can vary slightly depending on which township you live in, though the structure is the same across the county.
Key Takeaways
- Your property tax bill combines taxes from your school district, park district, library, and other local services, not just the county.
- The township assessor determines your home's assessed value, and the township collector sends you the bill and handles payment.
- Will County has 19 townships, each responsible for assessment and collection in its area, so contact your specific township for questions about your bill.
- You can appeal your assessed value through your township assessor's office if you believe it is too high.
- Homeowners may reduce their tax bill through exemptions such as the homeowner exemption or senior exemption, which must be claimed with your assessor.
How your assessed value is determined
The township assessor in your area assigns an assessed value to your property, which is the figure used to calculate your tax bill. This value is not the same as your home's market value or what you paid for it. Illinois law requires assessors to value residential property at 33.3 percent of its fair market value — meaning if your home would sell for $300,000, the assessed value would be around $100,000.
Assessors use recent sales of similar homes in your area, property condition, lot size, and other factors to estimate fair market value, then explore the 33.3 percent ratio. The assessed value can change from year to year, and you receive a notice when it does. If you believe the assessed value is wrong, you have the right to challenge it through a formal appeal process.
The township assessor's office is required to reassess all properties in the township on a regular cycle. In Will County, this cycle varies by township but typically occurs every four to six years. Between reassessment years, your assessed value may stay the same or change slightly depending on township policy.
Exemptions that can lower your bill
Illinois offers several exemptions that reduce your assessed value and therefore your property tax bill. The most common is the homeowner exemption, which reduces your assessed value by $6,500 (as of 2024, though this amount can change). To claim it, you must own and live in the home as your primary residence and file a form with your township assessor.
Other exemptions include the senior exemption for homeowners age 65 and older, which can reduce assessed value by up to $8,000 depending on income, and the disabled person exemption for those with a permanent disability. Veterans may also may have access to for exemptions. Each exemption has specific income limits and documentation requirements.
You must claim exemptions with your township assessor — they do not happen automatically. If you have never claimed one and believe you are may be able to access, contact your assessor's office to request the appropriate form. Once approved, the exemption typically applies to future years unless your circumstances change.
How to appeal your assessed value
If you receive your property tax bill and believe your assessed value is too high, you can file a formal appeal with the Board of Review in your township. The appeal process in Illinois has strict important date: you must file between January 1 and the last day of February in the year following the assessment. Missing this window means you cannot appeal that year's assessment.
To file an appeal, contact your township Board of Review office — not the assessor — and request an appeal form. You will need to provide evidence that your assessed value is incorrect, such as recent appraisals, comparable sales in your neighborhood, or documentation of property damage or defects. The Board of Review holds hearings in the spring, and you may attend to present your case.
If you disagree with the Board of Review's decision, you can appeal further to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB), a state agency that hears appeals from across Illinois. This second appeal also has important date and requires filing fees. Many homeowners hire a property tax attorney or consultant to handle appeals, though you can represent yourself.
Payment important date and what happens if you miss them
Will County property taxes are due in two installments. The first installment is typically due in early September, and the second is due in early March of the following year. Your tax bill shows both due dates. If you pay the full amount by the first important date, you avoid the second installment.
If you miss a important date, the county adds interest to your bill. The interest rate is set by Illinois law and compounds monthly. If your taxes remain unpaid for a long time, the county may place a lien on your property or eventually sell it at a tax sale to recover the unpaid amount. However, you have a redemption period — typically two years — to pay the back taxes and interest before the property is sold.
If you are having trouble paying your property taxes, contact your township collector to discuss payment plans or hardship options. Some townships offer installment agreements or can provide information about property tax deferral programs for seniors or disabled homeowners.
Finding your township assessor and collector
Because Will County has 19 townships, each with its own assessor and collector, you need to know which township your property is in. Your property tax bill shows this information, or you can search the Will County Assessor's website by address. Once you know your township, contact that township's assessor for questions about your assessed value or to claim exemptions, and contact the collector to ask about your bill or payment options.
The Will County Assessor's office maintains a directory of all township assessors and their contact information. You can also reach out to the Will County Clerk's office if you are unsure which township you are in or need help locating the right office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my property taxes lowered if I just bought my home?
Your assessed value is based on the township's estimate of fair market value, not on what you paid. If you paid more than the home's fair market value, you can appeal the assessed value, but you will need evidence such as an appraisal or comparable sales data. The purchase price alone does not lower the assessment.
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
Market value is what your home would sell for today. Assessed value is 33.3 percent of that market value and is used only to calculate property taxes. A home with a $300,000 market value would have an assessed value of around $100,000, which is then multiplied by the tax rate to determine your bill.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I own my home outright?
Yes. Property taxes are owed by the owner of the property, whether or not there is a mortgage. If you do not pay, the county can place a lien on your home or eventually sell it at a tax sale. Mortgage lenders require you to pay taxes as part of your loan agreement, but if you own the home free and clear, you are still legally required to pay.
How do I know which township I live in?
Your property tax bill lists your township. You can also search by address on the Will County Assessor's website or call the Will County Clerk's office. Knowing your township is important because you contact that township's assessor for assessment questions and that township's collector for payment issues.
Can I pay my property taxes online?
Many Will County townships offer online payment through their collector's website. Check your tax bill for payment instructions, or contact your township collector to ask about online, phone, or mail payment options. Some townships also accept payments in person at the collector's office.