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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Brown County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Brown County, IL. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district combination - multiple overlapping jurisdictions apply
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Brown County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, townships, municipalities, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local governments, with the Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) governing how tax levies can increase annually. The county follows Illinois' standard assessment practices where properties are assessed at 33.33% of fair market value for residential properties.

Property tax rates in Brown County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Each property owner pays taxes to multiple overlapping jurisdictions - typically including the county, township, school districts, and potentially municipal or special district taxes. While Illinois has a statewide average effective rate of approximately 2.27%, Brown County rates may differ based on local funding needs and the specific taxing districts that serve each property.

Tax bills are generally issued twice per year with payment dates typically falling around June 1st and September 1st, though exact dates may vary by taxing district. Property owners should verify their specific due dates as they can differ based on location within the county and the local collector's schedule.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBrown County operations, courthouse, sheriff
TownshipVariesLocal township services, road maintenance
School DistrictsVariesElementary and high school district funding
Community CollegeVariesRegional community college district
Fire ProtectionVariesFire district services (where applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
MunicipalVariesCity/village services (incorporated areas only)

Note: Specific rates for levy year 2024-2025 are still being finalized by individual taxing districts. The total effective tax rate varies significantly by property location within Brown County, ranging from approximately 1.8% to over 3.0% depending on which combination of taxing districts serve the property. Irving Township, for example, has indicated a Revenue Neutral Rate of 13.791 mills for certain levies. Contact the Brown County Clerk for current rates applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Brown County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Brown County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that add value, changes in property ownership, or corrections to assessment errors. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values.

The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change took effect. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed and assessed in January, the supplemental tax would apply to that additional assessed value for the full tax year. However, if the same addition was completed in July, the supplemental tax would only apply for the remaining months of that tax year.

Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill in addition to their regular property tax installments. These bills are typically issued within 30-60 days after the assessment change is processed and become due upon receipt, usually within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 2.5%): $2,250 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $187.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 2.5%): $4,750 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $395.83

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less: General Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,333
  • Tax Rate (estimated 2.8%): $9,053 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $754.42

Note: All credits require separate applications and approval. Tax rates shown are estimates and vary by specific taxing districts serving each property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Brown County properties, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual property tax bill each month, plus additional amounts to build a reserve cushion as required by federal regulations. The escrow account must maintain a balance sufficient to pay taxes when due, usually requiring 2-3 months of additional payments as a buffer.

Property tax bills in Brown County are typically issued in two installments with due dates around June 1st and September 1st, though exact dates vary by taxing district. Lenders monitor these due dates and pay directly from the escrow account. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, as changes in assessed value or tax rates can affect required escrow payments.

Annual escrow analysis statements show whether accounts have surpluses or shortages. Shortages result in increased monthly payments or lump-sum collections, while surpluses over $50 must be refunded to borrowers. Property owners can contact their lender's escrow department to verify tax payments and account balances, and should review their annual escrow statements carefully for accuracy.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Brown County for fiscal year 2024-2025? A: Due dates typically fall around June 1st and September 1st, but vary by specific taxing district. Contact the Brown County Collector or your local taxing district for exact dates applicable to your property.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The primary credit is the General Homestead Exemption, which reduces equalized assessed value by up to $10,000 for owner-occupied homes. This credit requires a separate application and is NOT automatic. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons, all requiring individual applications.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit in Illinois caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits year-over-year assessment growth and requires filing an application with the local assessor. This is different from an exemption that simply reduces assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Brown County? A: Illinois follows a quadrennial (4-year) reassessment cycle, though properties can be reassessed more frequently due to sales, improvements, or appeals. Contact the Brown County Supervisor of Assessments for your property's next scheduled reassessment year.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by Illinois law, typically 1.5% per month. Delinquent taxes can eventually result in tax sales and loss of property ownership rights.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Brown County Collector's office to verify current online payment options, as availability varies by taxing district within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must first be filed with the local Board of Review, typically by specific deadlines following assessment notices. Further appeals can be made to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).

Q: Are there special tax incentives for businesses in Brown County? A: The Quincy/Adams/Brown County Enterprise Zone offers property tax abatements and other incentives for qualifying businesses. Contact Brown County Economic Development for specific program requirements and application procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
IL-\, 6\\D ~admin.ks.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Statistics - Illinois Department of Revenuetax.illinois.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax-Rates.org — The 2024-2025 Tax Resourcemylrc.sdlegislature.gov
04
County
Quincy/Adams County/Brown County Enterprise Zonequincyil.gov
05
Exemptionsstephensoncountyil.gov
06
County
Property Tax Relief | Rock Island County, ILrockislandcountyil.gov
07
County
ILLINOIS COUNTY CLERKS' OFFICIAL PROPERTY TAX ...clerk.kanecountyil.gov
08
Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999 ...govinfo.gov
09
Closing Completed Document No.: Not Recordedrandolphcountyil.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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