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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district due to overlapping taxing entities; base county rate plus school, municipal, and special district rates
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, municipal services, fire protection, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local government entities and special districts throughout the county. The Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) governs how tax levies can increase annually, providing some protection against dramatic tax increases.

Property tax rates in Jackson County vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts including school districts, municipalities, townships, fire protection districts, and other local entities. For the 2025 tax year, Jackson County is experiencing changes due to a legal settlement affecting property tax recapture, and a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 0.9800 has been set. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve their property location.

The county follows Illinois' standard assessment and payment schedule, with property taxes typically due in two installments on June 1 and September 1. Due to significantly higher 2024 tax bills (some up to 50% higher), the county has provided an additional 60-day grace period for payments without penalties to help property owners adjust to the increased assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Property tax rates in Jackson County are composed of multiple overlapping taxing districts. Specific rates for the 2025 levy year are still being finalized due to ongoing legal settlements affecting property tax calculations.

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal elementary and high school districts
MunicipalVariesCity/village services (where applicable)
TownshipVariesTownship road maintenance and services
Fire ProtectionVariesFire department and emergency services
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library services
Special DistrictsVariesDrainage, sanitation, or other special services

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly by property location within Jackson County. The tentative equalization factor for 2025 is 0.9800. Property owners should contact the Jackson County Clerk's office or visit the county assessor for location-specific rate information once final rates are published.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 Jackson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership or improvements made to existing properties outside the normal assessment cycle. These taxes ensure that new construction, major renovations, or ownership transfers are properly reflected in the current tax year rather than waiting for the next regular assessment period.

Supplemental taxes are typically triggered by new construction completion, substantial property improvements that increase assessed value, or certain types of ownership changes. The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the old assessment and new assessment, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in March, and the addition increases the assessed value by $33,000 (at Illinois' one-third assessment ratio), the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $33,000 increase for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. The county assessor's office reviews building permits and other records to identify properties subject to supplemental assessment.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated property tax calculations for Jackson County properties. Note that actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts:

$300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit: -$5,000 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $95,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 8.5%
  • Annual Tax: $8,075
  • Monthly Escrow: $673

$600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit: -$5,000 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $195,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 8.5%
  • Annual Tax: $16,575
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,381

$1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less: General Homestead Credit: -$5,000 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $328,333
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 8.5%
  • Annual Tax: $27,908
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,326

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Rates shown are estimates as final 2025 rates are pending. Contact Jackson County Assessor for current rates specific to your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most homeowners with mortgages in Jackson County have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their mortgage servicer. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pay property taxes directly to the county on the homeowner's behalf when bills are due.

Jackson County property taxes are typically due in two installments: June 1 and September 1. Mortgage servicers usually make these payments shortly before the due dates to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing addresses and contact information with the county treasurer's office to ensure tax bills and notices are properly delivered.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually by lenders to ensure adequate funds are collected. Given the recent significant increases in Jackson County property taxes (some bills up 50% higher in 2024), many property owners may experience escrow shortages requiring increased monthly payments or lump-sum payments to cover deficits. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements carefully and budget for potential payment increases. Those without escrow accounts are responsible for making direct payments to the Jackson County Treasurer by the specified due dates.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in Jackson County? Property taxes are due in two installments: June 1 and September 1 for the current tax year. Due to higher 2024 tax bills, an additional 60-day grace period without penalties has been provided to help property owners adjust.

What tax credits are available and how do I apply? The General Homestead Exemption provides up to $5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value for owner-occupied residences. The Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities provides a $2,000 reduction in EAV annually. Both require application with the county assessor and are not automatic. Applications must be filed by the specified deadline each year.

Does the Homestead credit reduce my home's value? No, homestead-type credits do not reduce your property's market value. They reduce the equalized assessed value used for tax calculations and may limit annual assessment increases. You must file an application to receive these benefits.

How often are properties reassessed? Illinois law requires property assessments to be updated periodically. Contact the Jackson County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and procedures in your township.

What happens if I pay late? Late payment penalties apply after the due dates. Mobile home taxes specifically incur a $25 monthly penalty up to $100 maximum after the July 1 deadline.

Can I pay property taxes online? Contact the Jackson County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Why did my taxes increase so much in 2024? Many Jackson County property owners experienced tax increases up to 50% in 2024 due to various factors including reassessments and budget increases. The county provided additional time to pay without penalties in recognition of these increases.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners can appeal assessments through the Jackson County Board of Review. Contact the county assessor's office for current appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.

What is the equalization factor? The tentative equalization factor for 2025 is 0.9800. This factor is applied by the state to ensure uniform assessment levels across counties in Illinois.

Which taxing districts affect my property? Your specific tax rate depends on your property location and which school district, municipality, township, fire district, and other special districts serve your area. Contact the county clerk or assessor for a breakdown of taxing districts applicable to your specific address.

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