Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is property tax?
  2. What is the history of the Illinois property tax?
  3. What is considered property?
  4. How is the value of property determined?
  5. How are farm properties valued in Illinois?
  6. Who must pay property taxes?
  7. Who spends property taxes?
  8. How important is the property tax compared to other taxes?
  1. What is an assessment?
  2. Who assesses property?
  3. Who oversees that the assessment work is completed each year?
  4. When are initial assessments complete?
  5. Are taxpayers notified about the assessments on their property?
  6. What property is exempt from property tax?
  7. What property tax relief is available?
  8. What problems are generated by inequality in assessments for taxpayers?
  1. What is equalization?
  2. Who has authority to equalize?
  3. How much variation in assessments exists among the counties?
  4. How does the equalization factor affect the assessment on a taxpayer's property?
  1. What can taxpayers do if they believe their assessments are unfair?
  2. Who sits on Board of Review?
  3. What powers and duties do Boards of Review have?
  4. What are the steps to appeal an assessment?
  5. What are the reasons for an appeal?
  6. When do appeals go to the State Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB)?
  1. How does the equalization factor effect tax rates?
  2. What is a levy?
  3. How do levies affect tax rates?
  4. What makes tax bills increase?
  5. When are taxes extended (billed)?
  6. How is the tax rate computed?