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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ford County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ford 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
Varies by location due to different taxing districts, assessment at 33.33% of fair market value
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ford County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, townships, municipalities, fire protection districts, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local governmental units, with the Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) providing some limitations on tax levy increases.

The effective tax rate in Ford County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. While the county-wide assessment level is set at 33.33% of fair market value for most properties (excluding farmland and coal), your actual tax rate depends on which school district, municipality, township, and special districts serve your specific property. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to reflect the combined levies of all applicable taxing bodies in their area.

Ford County follows Illinois state law requiring annual property tax payments, with bills typically issued in late spring or early summer. The assessment and collection process involves multiple steps, and property owners have various options for tax credits that can reduce their tax burden, though most require annual application.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Ford County property taxes:

ComponentRate/AssessmentDescription
Assessment Level33.33%Standard assessment ratio for non-agricultural property
County-Wide Rate (2024)33.33%Overall effective rate, varies by taxing districts
School DistrictsVariesMajor component, differs by elementary/high school district
Township LeviesVariesRoad, general assistance, and township services
Municipal LeviesVariesCity/village services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, park, drainage districts

Note: These rates apply to the 2024 levy year for taxes payable in 2025. Actual tax rates vary significantly within Ford County depending on your specific location and which combination of taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Ford County Supervisor of Assessments for your property's specific district breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ford 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 taxes in Ford County are additional tax assessments that occur when property undergoes significant changes after the regular assessment period. The most common triggers include new construction, major improvements, ownership transfers that trigger reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in October, you would be assessed supplemental taxes on the increased value for the remaining months of that tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and typically have different due dates. Property owners receive notice of the supplemental assessment and have the right to appeal if they believe the valuation is incorrect. These taxes become a lien on the property immediately upon assessment.

Example Calculation

Here are three examples showing how property taxes are calculated in Ford County for different home values:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 8% effective rate): $7,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $600

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 8% effective rate): $15,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,267

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,333
  • Annual Tax (assuming 8% effective rate): $25,867
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,156

Important Note: The homeowner exemption requires annual application and reduces the equalized assessed value by up to $10,000. Actual tax rates vary by specific taxing districts within Ford County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ford County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into this escrow account, which the lender uses to pay your property taxes when they become due.

Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount (usually 2-3 months) to ensure sufficient funds are available. When Ford County property tax bills are issued, your lender receives a copy and pays the taxes directly from your escrow account. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your funds were used and any adjustments to your monthly payment.

It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly and on time. You can check payment status through Ford County's online system or by contacting the County Treasurer's office. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), remember that Ford County typically requires payment in two installments, with the first due by March 1 and the second by September 1.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Ford County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments - the first by March 1 and the second by September 1. Check the Ford County Treasurer's website for exact dates as they may vary slightly each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homeowner Exemption, which reduces your equalized assessed value by up to $10,000. This requires annual application through the Ford County Supervisor of Assessments office. Senior citizens may qualify for additional exemptions.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: Illinois offers a homestead exemption (homeowner exemption) that reduces your property's equalized assessed value by up to $10,000, which can lower your tax bill. You must apply annually, and the property must be your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Ford County? A: Properties are subject to annual assessment review, though major reassessments typically occur every 3-4 years. The County Supervisor of Assessments conducts regular evaluations to maintain assessments at 33.33% of fair market value.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeals must first be filed with the Ford County Board of Review, typically by late summer. If unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. Contact the Supervisor of Assessments for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Ford County charges interest and penalties on delinquent taxes. Interest typically begins accruing after the due date, and additional penalties may apply for extended delinquency. Contact the County Treasurer for current penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Ford County Treasurer's website for online payment options. Many Illinois counties now offer online payment systems that accept electronic checks or credit cards (fees may apply for credit card payments).

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Ford County? A: Your total tax rate is the sum of all taxing districts that serve your property - county, township, school districts, municipalities, and special districts (fire, library, etc.). Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of these districts, creating variation in total tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
January 1, 2024 Required level of as - Ford County Illinoisfordcounty.illinois.gov
02
County
2025 certified farmland values - Ford County Illinoisfordcounty.illinois.gov
03
County
notice - Ford County Illinoisfordcounty.illinois.gov
04
County
January 1, 2023 Required level of as - Ford County Illinoisfordcounty.illinois.gov
05
Tuesdav. Aoril4.2Ol7fordcounty.illinois.gov
06
County
Homestead Exemptions - Ford County Illinoisfordcounty.illinois.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief - Homestead Exemptionsfordcounty.illinois.gov
08
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONSfordcounty.illinois.gov
09
Reportfordcounty.illinois.gov
10
SYS DATE 030321fordcounty.illinois.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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