How much are taxes on a New Construction home?
If you are purchasing a new construction home, click here for more information.

I think my taxes are too high. Are they?
Three separate factors make up your tax bill: the assessment, the tax rate, and your exemptions. The Assessor’s Office is responsible for assessing every property in the township at one third of market value. This will assure that each taxpayer will bear their fair share of the tax burden. The tax rate, on the other hand, is determined by the voters, the municipalities, school boards and other taxing bodies in the area. If you are concerned with the rate you are paying, please contact your taxing bodies. If you feel your assessment is unfair, please call our office and request information on how we determined the value for your property. Check your most recent tax to be sure you are receiving all the exemptions in which you qualify. Learn more about exemptions here.

Click here for more information on how tax bills are calculated

Why are taxes so high?
There are a number of factors that combine to ultimately influence tax bills:

  • Lack of Commercial Tax Base – The limited amount of Commercial and Industrial property in the area providing tax revenue causes more of the burden to shift to the homeowners
  • Tax Abatements Granted to Businesses – The already low Commercial and Industrial tax base is being abated for some new businesses to encourage them to come to the area and for some existing businesses to encourage them to stay. This is partially due to the state income tax rates and policies affecting businesses and discouraging operations in Illinois. Again, fewer tax dollars from businesses means more of the burden lies with homeowners.
  • Increased Levies from Some Taxing Bodies – A higher tax burden overall is generally the result of the local taxing bodies requiring more money to operate year over year. If the total pool of tax dollars levied for increases, tax bills as a whole go up.
  • Inflation – Simply put, the cost of everything goes up over time. Local taxing bodies are not exempt from this. Operating costs for those taxing bodies, whether for utilities, supplies, or any number of other expenses, are all subject to inflationary increases. These increases are then accounted for in the taxing bodies’ levies.

My appraisal came in lower than what you have my home valued at. Can you change my assessment to match my appraised value?
We will certainly look at any appraisal brought to us. However, most appraisals are done using a valuation system different from the one we use. An appraised value can only be considered if the comparables and methods used by the appraiser follow the same guidelines of valuation set forth by the Illinois Property Tax Code.

Why do similar houses in different neighborhoods have different assessments?
These houses may be valued differently because their actual market values may vary. Location plays an important part in establishing market value. General location, distance from schools, distance from commercial facilities, quality of surrounding properties and neighborhood amenities are examples of factors that could cause a purchaser to pay more for a home in a specific neighborhood than in another.

Can I protest my tax bill after I received it?
Once you receive your bill, it is too late to appeal for that assessment year. If your assessed value is changed by the township assessor, it will be published in the local newspaper in August. The publication begins the appeal season. Your first step is to contact our office. If we feel we are unable to adjust your assessment, you may file an appeal with the Board of Review. The deadline to do so is 30 days after the newspaper’s publication of the assessment values. Appeal forms can be obtained online at www.willcountysoa.com.

Click here for more information on important dates and Assessment Notices.

Can I examine the Assessor’s records to be sure they have the correct information on my house?
Yes. Property Record Cards are available online through the property search. Alternatively, we would be happy to mail or email you a copy, FREE of charge.

How do I change my name or address on my tax bill?
See the Will County Treasurer’s Office for details: https://willcounty.gov/Home/TaxBillAddressNameCorrectionForm

Have a question that you can’t find an answer to?
We are happy to answer your questions. Give us a call at (815)436-5110 or email us at info@plainfieldassessor.com. We are also available to speak to groups.

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