Pay Property Taxes Lake County Illinois (2025)

FAQs

How to fight property taxes in Lake County, IL? ›

All property assessment appeals must be done electronically. Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. To appeal a property assessment, use the SmartFile E-Filing Portal.

Failure to pay your taxes will allow them to be sold at the annual tax sale in November. After the sale takes place, additional penalties, interest (as much as 36% per year) and costs are added to the amount necessary to redeem your taxes through the County Clerk's office.

There is no set rate for property tax in Illinois. Your tax bill is based on two factors, the equalized assessed value (EAV) of your property, and the amount of money your local taxing districts need to operate during the coming year. Most property is assessed at 33 1/3 percent of its fair market value.

How do I change my property taxes? You can get your property taxes lowered by proving that your house is worth less than the assessor says it is. In Cook County, you can appeal the value of your property with the Cook County Assessor. You can also appeal the value of your property to the Cook County Board of Review.

Most senior homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they are 65 years of age or older (born in 1958 or prior) and own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Once this exemption is applied, the Assessor's Office automatically renews it for you each year.

Properties of religious, charitable, and educational organizations, as well as units of federal, state and local governments, are eligible for exemption from property taxes to the extent provided by law.

If you find that you cannot pay the full amount by the filing deadline, you should file your return and pay as much as you can by the due date. To see if you qualify for an installment payment plan, attach a Form 9465, “Installment Agreement Request,” to the front of your tax return.

Credit card payments for property taxes can be made over the phone (1-877-647-7238) or on the web. However, mobile home payments by credit card can only be paid online or at the Treasurer/Collector's office but can NOT be made over the phone.

How to apply for property tax exemption in Lake County Illinois? ›

In most counties, property taxes are paid in two installments, usually June 1 and September 1. If the tax bills are mailed late (after May 1), the first installment is due 30 days after the date on your tax bill.

Lake County has the highest median property taxes paid at $8,040, according to 2021 data from the Tax Foundation, while Pulaski County near the Kentucky border has the lowest at $647.

Oak Brook prides itself on not levying a municipal property tax, something residents in only 3 percent of Illinois towns can say.

Appeal to State Property Tax Appeal Board or Circuit Court

If you do not agree with the county board of review's decision, you can appeal the decision (in writing) to the State Property Tax Appeal Board or file a tax objection complaint in circuit court.

You may file up to 4 exemptions. These may include: homeowner residents, senior citizens, veterans, disabled veterans, those with disabilities, and home improvements. The remaining value (called the “Adjusted Equalized Assessed Value”) is multiplied by your local tax rate.

Disclaimer: The Illinois Department of Revenue does not administer property tax. It is managed by the local governments including cities, counties, and taxing districts.