Q: Why is my property tax bill so high?
A: Your taxes may be high (or higher than they were last year) for any or all of three general reasons. First, the taxing districts in which your property is located may have asked for more property tax money than they received the year before. Second, your tax bill may be higher than bills for similar properties in the same district because your property is over assessed relative to these properties. Finally, your taxes may be high because other properties in a taxing district are receiving statutorily allowed exemptions.

Q: How is my property’s assessment determined?
A: For most non-farm property, the Township Assessor estimates the market value of the property, and then develops an assessed value based on 33.33% of that market value. The Supervisor of Assessments then equalizes all assessments to provide for uniform valuations in the County. You tax bill is based on the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of your property. For example, if you have has a market value of $320,000, the assessed value should be no greater than ($320,000 x 33.33%) $106,656.

Farmland is assessed according to its value under farm use. More information about farm assessments can be obtained from the Office of the Supervisor of Assessments.

Q: What can I do to minimize my property tax burden?
A: If you have specific questions about your assessed valuation, please contact your township assessor. If you have questions about the rate charged by a specific taxing body, we suggest that you contact that taxing body. Finally, make sure you are receiving all of the exemptions for which you qualify.

Q: What are exemptions?
A: Exemptions reduce the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) by a specific amount; the actual tax savings depends on the tax rate for the specific property.

• The General Homestead Exemption reduces the EAV of an owner-occupied dwelling by $5,000.

• The Homestead Improvement Exemption reduces the EAV of an owner-occupied dwelling with qualifying addition by up to $25,000; this exemption is applied by your township assessor.

• The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption reduces the EAV of a senior-owned-and-occupied dwelling by $3,500.

• The Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemption freezes the EAV of senior-owned-and-occupied dwelling at a base year, causing the assessment not to increase; this is restricted to households with qualifying incomes of $50,000 or less.

• The Disabled Veterans Exemption reduces the EAV of a home owned by a qualifying veteran, the veteran’s spouse or unmarried surviving spouse by up to $70,000. You must apply for this exemption through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Q: How can I tell which exemptions have been applied to my property?
A: You can review your assessment information online or contact the Office of the Supervisor of Assessments.

Q: Are there other taxpayer assistance programs?
A: Yes, there are two.

• The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program allows qualified senior citizens to defer part or all of the property taxes on their personal residence. It’s a form of a loan with a six percent interest rate which is to be repaid after the taxpayer’s death or at the time the property is sold. Contact the Kane County Treasurer for more information.

• Circuit Breaker Grants provide low-income senior citizens and disabled citizens yearly grants to help pay property taxes. To apply, you need to complete Form IL-1363. For more information, contact the Illinois Department on Aging or call 1-800-624-2459.

Q: Can my assessment be appealed?
A: Yes. We recommend first discussing your assessment with the township assessor. If you wish to formally appeal your assessment, you can file a complaint with the Kane County Board of Review. There are generally three bases for appealing an assessment:

1. Incorrect Assessor Information (“The assessor’s records show I have a 2,400-square-foot house, but my survey shows I’ve got only 2,200 square feet.”)

2. Incorrect Valuation (“The market value of my home is shown at $290,000, but I just had it appraised for $225,000).

3. Inequity (“My equalized assessed value is $95,000, but the comparable houses in my neighborhood are assessed at values ranging from $71,000 to $78,000.”) Please note that the state Property Tax Appeal Board has consistently ruled that the amount or percentage of change in assessment from one year to the next is not a valid basis for an appeal.

Q: How can I compare the assessed value of my property to the assessed values of similar homes in my area?
A: You have the right to inspect the township assessor's records, which contain assessed values as well as other information. You may inspect the records for any parcel of property, as well as the records for your own property, subject to reasonable regulations set down by local officials.

Q: Will I be notified if my assessment is going to be increased?
A: If the Township Assessor changes your assessment, you will be notified by U.S. Mail sent to the same address where your tax bill is sent; the change will also be published in a local newspaper. If your assessment is changed by the application of a multiplier, the multiplier will be published in a local newspaper.

Q: When I get my tax bill, is it too late to complain?
A: Yes, it is too late unless you have already taken your complaint to the Board of Review.

Q: What will happen if I don’t pay my property taxes?
A: Your taxes may be sold at the annual tax sale. If your taxes are sold, you will retain the right to redeem your property for two and one-half years if it is your principal dwelling. Other property must be redeemed within two years. To redeem it, you will have to pay costs and interest in addition to any tax due. Contact the Tax Redemption Department of the Kane County Clerk.

Q: My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I get a bill?
A: Many mortgage companies pay electronically, and do not require a bill. We suggest that you contact your mortgage company to confirm. A bill is mailed to you for your records. Many park districts and libraries require you to show your tax bill for proof of residency.

Q: I did not live here in 2006. Why did I receive a 2006 tax bill?
A: 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.

Q: I did not pay my taxes last year. Where can I find out how much I owe?
A: Call the Kane County Clerk and ask for a Statement of Redemption. Give them your parcel number.

Q: I don’t know my parcel number, how can I get it?
A: Your Township Assessor can look up a parcel number by property address or by legal description. You might also access your township assessor’s web site and see if they have a search for properties by address.

Q: I own multiple parcels in the County. Can I pay with one check?
A: Yes, please make sure that your addition is correct and list the parcel numbers of the properties you are paying on your check. Include the correct stub(s) for each installment payment.

Q: If I pay by mail how can I get a receipt?
A: Your cancelled check is your receipt. If you should need a paid receipt, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your payment.

Q: Is there a charge for a copy of my bill?
A: Yes, the charge for a duplicate copy of a tax bill is $2.00.

Q: What if I have other questions?
A: For other questions about:

• Property valuation - Call your Township Assessor.

• Exemptions or Appeals - Call the Kane County Supervisor of Assessments at (630) 208-3818.

• Tax rates or Tax redemption - Call the Kane County Clerk at (630) 232-5964.

• Tax bills - Call the Kane County Treasurer at (630) 232-3565.