What Will County property tax is and who pays it

Will County property tax is a yearly tax on real estate — land and buildings — located in Will County, Illinois. The county assessor determines the value of your property, and the tax rate is set by local taxing bodies like schools, municipalities, and the county itself. You owe property tax if you own residential, commercial, or industrial property in the county, whether you live there or rent it out.

The tax bill arrives once a year, usually in the spring, and covers two six-month periods. Most property owners pay in two installments — one in the spring and one in the fall. If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property tax through an escrow account as part of your monthly payment, meaning the lender collects it and pays the county on your behalf.

Will County includes municipalities like Joliet, Bolingbrook, Naperville (partially), and unincorporated areas. Each area has its own tax rate because different taxing bodies serve different parts of the county. Your specific rate depends on where your property sits.

Key Takeaways

  • Will County property tax is based on your property's assessed value multiplied by a tax rate set by local taxing bodies in your area.
  • Tax bills arrive once yearly and are usually paid in two installments — spring and fall — unless your mortgage lender collects through escrow.
  • The Will County Assessor's Office determines property value; you can challenge the assessment through a formal objection process.
  • Tax rates vary by location within Will County because different municipalities and school districts serve different areas.
  • Homeowners over 65, disabled homeowners, and low-income households may reduce their tax through state homestead exemptions or senior exemptions.

How the Will County Assessor determines your property value

The Will County Assessor's Office assigns a value to your property every three years as part of the reassessment cycle. This assessed value is not the same as what you paid for the property or what it would sell for today — it is a value used only for tax purposes. The assessor looks at recent sales of similar properties in your area, the condition of your building, lot size, and improvements you have made.

You can view your property record and assessed value on the Will County Assessor's website. The record shows the land value, building value, and any exemptions applied. If you believe the assessed value is too high, you have the right to object. The important date to file an objection is usually in the spring of the year after reassessment, but important date vary by township. Contact your local township assessor's office to confirm the exact date for your area.

An objection does not require a lawyer. You can file it yourself by submitting a form to the township assessor or the Will County Board of Review. You will need to explain why you think the value is wrong — for example, if your home needs major repairs, if comparable homes in your area sold for less, or if the assessor made a factual error about your property's features.

Understanding your property tax bill and payment schedule

Your Will County property tax bill shows the assessed value, the tax rate for your area, and the total tax owed. The bill is divided into two installments. The first installment is due around June 1, and the second is due around September 1, though exact dates vary slightly by township. If you pay late, penalties and interest accrue.

You can pay by mail, online through the Will County Treasurer's Office website, or in person at the treasurer's office in Joliet. Some municipalities also accept payments at their local offices. If your mortgage lender pays through escrow, you will not receive a separate bill — the lender handles payment directly to the county.

If you own property in multiple townships within Will County, you may receive separate bills for each location. Renters do not receive bills; the property owner pays the tax, though some landlords pass the cost to tenants through rent.

Homestead exemptions and tax relief for seniors and low-income owners

Illinois offers a homestead exemption that reduces the assessed value of your primary residence if you meet income and age requirements. The Senior Homestead Exemption is available to homeowners age 65 and older with a household income below a certain threshold (the limit changes yearly). The Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities is available to homeowners of any age who are permanently disabled and meet income limits.

To claim either exemption, you file an process with the Will County Assessor's Office. The process requires proof of age or disability, proof of income, and proof that the property is your primary residence. Once approved, the exemption reduces your assessed value, which lowers your tax bill. You must reapply every year or every few years depending on the exemption type.

Illinois also offers a Property Tax Deferral Program for seniors age 65 and older and persons with disabilities. This program allows you to defer (delay) paying property tax for the year, though you must repay it later, usually when you sell the property or pass it to your heirs. Interest accrues on the deferred amount. Contact the Will County Assessor's Office to learn whether you meet the income and age requirements.

What happens if you do not pay your property tax

If you miss a payment important date, the Will County Treasurer's Office charges a penalty — usually a percentage of the unpaid amount — plus interest. The penalty and interest rate are set by Illinois law and vary depending on how late the payment is. After a certain period of non-payment (typically two years), the county may place your property in a tax sale, where the property is sold to recover the unpaid tax.

A tax sale does not happen when ready. The county sends notices to your address on file, and you have time to pay before the sale date. If your property is sold at tax sale, you may have a right of redemption — a period (usually up to three years) during which you can reclaim the property by paying the buyer the amount they paid plus interest and costs.

If you are struggling to pay, contact the Will County Treasurer's Office to discuss payment plans or hardship options. Some municipalities offer tax relief programs for low-income homeowners. Acting early is important because penalties and interest grow quickly, and a tax sale is difficult to reverse.

How to find your property tax information and records

The Will County Assessor's Office maintains searchable property records online. You can look up your property by address or parcel number to see the assessed value, exemptions, and recent assessment history. The Will County Treasurer's Office website shows current and past tax bills and allows you to pay online.

Your township assessor's office also has records and can answer questions about your specific property. Each township in Will County has its own assessor's office, and they handle objections and exemption applications for properties in their area. A list of township offices and contact information is available on the Will County Assessor's website.

If you need a copy of your deed, property survey, or other legal documents related to your property, contact the Will County Recorder's Office. These documents may be useful if you are challenging your assessment or refinancing your mortgage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Will County property tax in one payment instead of two?

Yes. You can pay both installments at once if you choose, though the due dates for each installment remain the same. Paying early does not reduce your tax; it straightforward means you pay the full amount sooner. Contact the Will County Treasurer's Office to confirm payment methods for a lump-sum payment.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

Assessed value is what the assessor determines your property is worth for tax purposes. Market value is what your property would sell for on the open market. They are often different. A home might have a market value of $300,000 but an assessed value of $200,000. The assessor uses assessed value to calculate your tax bill, not market value.

How do I know if my property is in Will County or a neighboring county?

Check your property deed or mortgage documents — they list the county. You can also search your address on the Will County Assessor's website. If the property does not appear, it is likely in a different county. Your local township clerk's office can also confirm which county your property is in.

Do I have to pay property tax if I own the land but no building is on it?

Yes. Will County property tax applies to land whether or not there is a structure on it. Vacant land is assessed and taxed based on its location and size. The tax rate may be different for vacant land than for improved property, depending on local tax codes.

What happens to my property tax if I refinance my mortgage?

Refinancing does not change your property tax. The tax is based on the property itself, not on your loan. However, your new lender may set up a new escrow account for property tax, so the amount deducted from your monthly payment may change. Review your new loan documents to understand how property tax will be handled.