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Updated 2025 Tax Year

De Witt County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$5.20436 per $100 of assessed value countywide (varies by district due to overlapping jurisdictions)
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

De Witt County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, townships, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments, with the county serving as the collection point for all taxing jurisdictions within its boundaries.

The property tax rate in De Witt County varies significantly by location due to multiple overlapping taxing districts. For 2025, the estimated countywide rate is $5.20436 per $100 of assessed valuation, though individual properties may face different effective rates depending on their specific school district, municipality, township, and special district combinations. Illinois assesses property at 33.33% of fair market value, and De Witt County applies an equalization factor of 1.0000 for 2025 taxes. Property owners should note that their actual tax burden depends on both the assessed value of their property and the specific combination of taxing districts that serve their location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100 AVDescription
County GeneralVariableCounty operations, services, and administration
School DistrictsVariableK-12 education funding (varies by district)
TownshipVariableRoad maintenance, general assistance, assessor
MunicipalVariableCity/village services (if applicable)
Community CollegeVariableRegional community college funding
Fire ProtectionVariableFire district services (where applicable)
Library DistrictVariablePublic library funding (where applicable)
Total Estimated Rate$5.20436Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes due in 2025). Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within De Witt County based on which taxing districts serve each property. The estimated total levy for 2025 is $690,000, compared to $495,348.40 extended for 2024.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in De Witt 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 De Witt County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual billing cycle. These are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, additions, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When such changes occur, the county assessor determines the additional tax owed based on the increased assessed value.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home mid-year, the county will assess the improvement and calculate supplemental taxes on the increased value from the date of completion through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated using the same tax rate that applies to the property's regular assessment, prorated for the portion of the year the improvement was in place. Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill that is due upon receipt, in addition to their regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • General Homestead Credit Applied: -$10,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax ($5.20436 rate): $4,684
  • Monthly Escrow: $390

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • General Homestead Credit Applied: -$10,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax ($5.20436 rate): $9,888
  • Monthly Escrow: $824

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • General Homestead Credit Applied: -$10,000 (requires application)
  • Senior Citizens Credit Applied: -$6,000 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $317,333
  • Annual Tax ($5.20436 rate): $16,512
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,376

Note: All credits require separate applications and qualification. Rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in De Witt County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a dedicated escrow account. When property taxes become due, the lender pays the county directly from the escrow account.

Property tax bills are mailed on February 25th each year, and lenders typically receive and pay these bills promptly to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has received the correct tax bill and made payment on time. If you receive a tax bill directly while having an escrow account, forward it to your lender immediately. The lender conducts an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust monthly payments if tax amounts change significantly. Property owners can contact the County Treasurer's office to verify payment status and obtain receipts when needed.

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 De Witt County for 2025? A: Tax bills are mailed on February 25, 2025, and payment is due upon receipt. There is no grace period, so immediate payment is recommended to avoid penalties.

Q: What homestead credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The General Homestead Credit reduces assessed value by up to $10,000 and REQUIRES APPLICATION. Additionally, qualified seniors age 65+ can receive up to $6,000 in senior citizen credits, which also REQUIRES APPLICATION. Contact the Supervisor of Assessments at (217) 935-7800.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is actually an assessment limitation that caps annual assessment increases, typically to 7-10%. It does NOT reduce your property's market value but limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year. You must file an application to receive this protection.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed during the township assessment period, typically in late spring/early summer. Contact the County Supervisor of Assessments at (217) 935-7800 for specific deadlines and procedures for your township.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments accrue penalties and interest. Properties with delinquent taxes may be subject to tax sale procedures, with the last day to register for tax sale being September 26, 2025.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the De Witt County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Does the Treasurer's office send payment receipts? A: Per state statute, the county issues receipts for tax payments. If you need verification of payment, contact the Treasurer's office directly.

Q: I sold my property but received a tax bill - what should I do? A: Forward the tax bill to the new owner immediately and contact the County Supervisor of Assessments Office at (217) 935-7800 to update ownership records.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes all applicable districts serving your property - school district, township, municipality (if in city limits), fire district, library district, etc. This is why tax rates vary significantly within the county.

Q: What exemptions are available for seniors? A: The Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze is available for qualifying seniors, providing up to $75,000 exemption on improvement values. Additionally, seniors may qualify for up to $6,000 in assessment reductions. ALL senior benefits require application with the Supervisor of Assessments office.

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