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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bureau County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.77% effective rate (varies by taxing district combination)
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bureau County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services including schools, townships, municipalities, fire protection districts, and other special service districts. The county's effective property tax rate for 2024 is approximately 1.77%, though this represents an average across the county and actual rates vary significantly by location depending on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve each property.

Property taxes in Bureau County are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the County Assessor at one-third of fair market value (33.33% assessment ratio). The Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) governs how much taxing bodies can increase their levy each year. Homeowners may qualify for various tax reductions through credits and exemptions, but most require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.15% - 0.25%County operations, health department, courts
School Districts0.80% - 1.20%Elementary and high school districts (varies by district)
Township0.05% - 0.15%Road maintenance, general assistance, township services
Municipality0.20% - 0.60%City/village services (where applicable)
Fire Protection0.10% - 0.30%Fire department services (varies by district)
Library District0.05% - 0.15%Public library services (where applicable)
Other Special Districts0.02% - 0.20%Park districts, drainage districts, cemetery districts

Total Effective Rate: ~1.77% (FY 2024-2025)

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by location within Bureau County depending on which taxing districts serve your property. School district rates typically represent the largest component of your tax bill.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jun 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Sep 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 taxes in Illinois are typically limited compared to other states. However, property owners may receive additional tax bills in certain circumstances, such as when new construction is completed mid-year or when omitted property is discovered by the assessor. These supplemental assessments are prorated based on the portion of the tax year the improvement existed.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 home addition in July, the assessor would add approximately $33,333 to the assessed value (at the 33.33% assessment ratio). The supplemental tax would be calculated on this additional assessed value, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Using Bureau County's 1.77% rate, this would result in approximately $295 in additional annual taxes ($33,333 × 1.77% ÷ 2 for half-year), billed separately from the regular tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $99,990
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$10,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $89,990
  • Annual Tax (1.77%): $1,593
  • Monthly Escrow: $133

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $199,980
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$10,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $189,980
  • Annual Tax (1.77%): $3,363
  • Monthly Escrow: $280

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,300
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$10,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,300
  • Annual Tax (1.77%): $5,722
  • Monthly Escrow: $477

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and reduces equalized assessed value by up to $10,000. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons but require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bureau County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly payments equal to one-twelfth of the estimated annual tax bill and maintains these funds in a separate account. When property taxes become due (typically June 1 and September 1), the lender pays the taxes directly to the Bureau County Collector.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, the lender will adjust monthly escrow payments and may require additional funds to cover any shortage. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow services. The Bureau County Collector's office can confirm payment status and provide tax history information upon request.

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 Bureau County for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: June 1st and September 1st. If tax bills are mailed after May 1st, the first installment is due 30 days after the bill date.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Exemption, which reduces assessed value by up to $10,000. You must apply annually with the County Assessor using the appropriate forms. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans with disabilities, and persons with disabilities, but each requires separate application and qualification verification.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is not automatic - you must apply each year. It reduces your property's assessed value by up to $10,000, which can save approximately $177 annually on your tax bill (based on the 1.77% rate). The exemption must be renewed annually by filing the required forms with the Bureau County Assessor's office.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Bureau County? A: Illinois law requires properties to be reassessed at least every four years. Bureau County follows a quadrennial reassessment cycle. Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file appeals with the Bureau County Board of Review during the specified appeal period.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Illinois law provides for penalties and interest on late property tax payments. The first installment becomes delinquent after June 1st (or 30 days after bill date if mailed late), and the second installment becomes delinquent after September 1st. Penalties typically include monthly interest charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Bureau County Collector's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Illinois counties now offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase even though tax rates didn't change? A: Tax bills can increase due to property reassessment, new construction or improvements, or changes in exemption eligibility. Even if your property value remained the same, your taxes could increase if you failed to renew required exemptions like the Homestead Exemption.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my tax rate? A: Your total tax rate depends on all taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and park districts. Properties in different areas of Bureau County may have significantly different total tax rates based on their specific combination of taxing districts.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Illinois Tax Handbook for Legislatorsilga.gov
02
Tax Doc
Sales Tax Rate Change Summary, Effective July 1, 2025tax.illinois.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Property Tax Information - City Of St. Charles, ILstcharlesil.gov
04
Tax Doc
When do I have to pay my property taxes?tax.illinois.gov
05
Illinois Department of Revenuetax.illinois.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQlakecountyil.gov
07
Tax Doc
35 ILCS 200/ Property Tax Code.ilga.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Exemption Information (PIO-74)tax.illinois.gov
09
County
Property Taxes | Lake County, ILlakecountyil.gov
10
Treasurer's Officebureaucounty-il.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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