The following are frequently asked questions related to the property tax system in Illinois.

General Information
What is Property Tax?
History of Illinois Property Tax
What is considered property?
How is the value of property determined?
How are farm properties valued in Illinois?
Who must pay property taxes?
Who spends property taxes?
How important is the property tax compared to other taxes?

Property Assessment
What is an assessment?
Who assesses property?
Who oversees that the assessment work is completed each year?
When is property assessed?
When are initial assessments complete?
Are taxpayers notified about the assessments on their property?
What property is exempt from property tax?
What other types of relief are available?
Can you tell me about the Conservation Stewardship Program?
What problems are generated by inequality in assessments for taxpayers?

Equalization
What is equalization?
Who has authority to equalize? 
How much variation in assessments exists among the counties?
How does the equalization factor affect the assessment on a taxpayer's property?

Assessment Review
What can taxpayers do if they believe their assessments are unfair?
Who sits on boards of review?
What powers and duties do boards of review have?
State Property Tax Appeal Board
More details on PTAB appeals
Seven Steps to Appeal an Assessment
Reasons For An Appeal
Evidence Needed
Informal Appeal

Tax Billing and Collection
How does the equalization factor affect tax rates?
What is a levy? 
How do levies affect tax rates?
What makes tax bills increase?
When are taxes extended (billed)?
How is the tax rate computed?