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Treasurer's Office - General FAQ

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1. I mailed my payment on the due date and now I'm getting a balance due statement for an outstanding balance. Why?

By Illinois State Statues, your payment must be U.S. postmarked by the due date in order to be processed as a timely payment. If you are receiving a balance due statement, then your payment was not U.S. postmarked (metered mail is not acceptable) on time and penalties have accrued. Placing your payment in the mailbox does not guarantee the envelope will be postmarked on that day. If you are going to wait until the last day to mail your payment, the only way to guarantee the official postmark is to go to the local post office and ask to have the envelope hand stamped.

2. When will the 2017 tax bill be mailed?

The 2017 tax bills will be mailed the first part of May, with due dates in early June and September. Duplicate copies of the tax bills are available online once the bills are mailed.

Payment Status of our website.

3. My value went down, but my bill went up, what happened?

Assessed values are used to distribute the tax burden. If values go down, tax rates will go up. If taxing districts ask for more money, the rates will go even higher to give them the money they are requesting.

4. I have applied for and thought that I received the Senior Freeze exemption; how could my tax bill go up?

The Senior Freeze exemption does freeze the assessment, but it does not freeze the tax rates. In most cases this year, tax rates have increased. The taxing districts can continue to ask for more money and if the rate goes up then your tax bill will go up. But you have to remember that over the years; because of this exemption you have saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year.

5. Why was there a state multiplier?

There has always been a state multiplier, for years the factor has been one. However, the past several years the Lake County Board of Review saw record numbers of assessment appeal filings. The volume of successful appeals, coupled with valuation change requests submitted by local assessing officials, led to the need for a higher state multiplier in order to bring Lake County values on the whole to 33.33% of the market value.

6. Isn't there a cap on how much my bill can change?

Most taxing districts were allowed an increase of 3% over the request of last year, and 1.7% for the 2013 tax year. There are exceptions to this law, but it is a limit on the taxing district itself, not individual taxpayers, Individuals need to become active participants when the districts are passing their budgets. Most taxing districts requested their maximum levy.

7. Home values have been declining, so why is my bill higher?

There are several factors that could make your tax bill increase: an increase in the property equalized assessed value, an increase in tax rates, which come from the individual taxing districts, and new referendums approved by voters. Keep in mind, the assessment for your current bill is calculated as of January 2017.

8. My tax bill seems too high. Is it too late to appeal?

Basically yes, appeals should be filed within 30 days from the date of Assessment Roll Publication. The only exception would be incorrect data that the assessment was calculated on (example would be incorrect square footage). If this is the case, you should contact your local Township Assessor.

9. Will partial payments be accepted once the bills have been sent out?

Yes, partial payments can be made by mail or at the Treasurer's Office, with the understanding that the remaining balances due after the due dates could be subject to penalty.

10. Are there other items that I should be paying close attention to on the tax bill?

Yes. Please pay close attention to your total exemptions, these exemptions could lower your current tax bill. For a complete list of exemptions, go to the Assessor's website. Property Tax Relief on the assessor's site.

11. My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I get a bill?

Many mortgage companies pay electronically, and do not require a bill. We suggest that you contact your mortgage company to confirm this. A bill is mailed to you for your records.

12. I did not live here in 2017. Why did I receive a 2017 tax bill?

The tax remains with the property regardless of ownership. To determine your liability for paying the tax, check your closing statement to see if the seller gave you credit, or contact your attorney.

13. My tax bill seems too high. How can I make sure it is correct?

We suggest that you call your Township Assessor to verify that you are receiving the exemptions for which you qualify. They can also answer any questions pertaining to your assessed valuation. If you have questions about the rate charged by a specific taxing body, we suggest that you contact that taxing body.

14. I did not pay my taxes last year. Where can I find out how much I owe?

Call the Lake County Clerk at 847-377-2404, and ask for an Estimate of Redemption. Make sure you have your parcel number.

15. Can I pre-pay my taxes?

Yes, prepayments are accepted December 1 - December 29.

16. I own multiple parcels in the County. Can I pay with one check?

Yes you can. Please make sure that your math is correct. List the parcel numbers of the properties you are paying on your check. Include the correct coupon(s) for each payment you are making.

17. If I pay by mail, how can I get a receipt?

Your canceled check is your receipt. If you should need an official document, please enclose a short note requesting a receipt or call our Tax Information Department at 847-377-2323. Please allow 2 weeks for a receipt to be issued.

18. Is there a charge for a copy of my bill?

No, we do not charge homeowners for duplicate copies of their tax bills. However, mortgage companies, lenders and closing companies are charged $5 per bill.

19. What are the hours for the Treasurer’s Office?

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Added hours, for due dates only June 6 and September 6 - 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

20. How do I pay my tax bill?

You can pay by mail, in person and at most Lake County Banks. Also, online or by phone with your credit card or E-check.

21. Can I use my credit card for payment?

In our office, you can use Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Online, you can use any major credit card, a convenience fee charged. For more information, please contact the Treasurer's Office at 847-377-2323. Online Payments page.

22. If I pay by mail do you honor postmark?

Yes, only before or on the due date, and it must be an official U.S. postmark.

23. I never received my tax bill. What should I do?

Call the Treasurer’s office at 847-377-2323 or print a bill on the Treasurer's website. Duplicate Tax Bill page.

24. What if I have my bill, but I lost my payment stubs?

Be sure to write the parcel number on your check. You can also download a copy of your tax bill with a payment stub at the Payment Status screen.

25. What if, for some reason, I have to pay my taxes late?

You will be assessed a penalty at 1.5% per month.

26. What if, for some reason, I am altogether unable to pay my taxes? Will I lose my property?

According to Illinois State Statute, the County Treasurer must hold an annual tax sale to sell unpaid property taxes, drainage and special assessments. Please remember that the county is not selling the property at the sale, but rather, the unpaid taxes. The homeowner has at least two years to pay the redemption. It should be noted that the longer the homeowner waits to redeem these taxes, the more the interest could be.

27. Can I make my tax payment online with my local bank?

Yes, if your bank offers this service. Please remember when making these payments, to provide ample time for mailing and processing of tax bills. Payments must be U.S. postmarked by the due dates to avoid additional penalties. We do not accept wire transfers. It will be your responsibility to balance your statement to assure that the payment was mailed, received and processed correctly.