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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jefferson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jefferson 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 district combination, typically ranges 6-8% of assessed value depending on school district and municipal services
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jefferson County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, townships, municipalities, fire districts, and other special districts. Property taxes in Jefferson County are assessed annually based on the equalized assessed value (EAV) of real property, which is typically one-third of the property's fair market value. The county follows Illinois state law regarding assessment practices and homeowner protections.

Property tax rates in Jefferson County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. These districts include school districts, municipalities, townships, fire protection districts, and other special service areas. Each property owner's total tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve their property location. The county's effective tax rates generally align with Illinois averages, though specific rates for the current levy year should be confirmed with the Jefferson County Treasurer's office or through the official county website at payments.municipay.com/il_jefferson.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General0.30% - 0.50%County operations, courts, sheriff
School Districts4.00% - 6.50%Elementary and high school districts (varies by district)
Township0.15% - 0.35%Township services and road maintenance
Municipal0.40% - 1.20%City/village services (if applicable)
Fire District0.20% - 0.60%Fire protection services
Library District0.15% - 0.40%Public library services
Other Special Districts0.10% - 0.50%Cemetery, park, drainage districts
Total Effective Rate5.30% - 10.05%Combined rate varies by location

Note: These rates are estimates based on typical Illinois county patterns. Actual rates for levy year 2025 (taxes payable in 2026) will be determined by each taxing district's budget and total EAV. Contact the Jefferson County Treasurer for specific current rates applicable to your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments. When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the difference between the original tax amount and what should have been owed based on the updated property value.

The calculation involves determining the new assessed value, applying the same tax rate that was used for the regular assessment, and then subtracting any taxes already paid for that portion of the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 addition to your home is completed and assessed mid-year, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value (typically $50,000 ÷ 3 = $16,667 EAV) multiplied by your area's tax rate, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are mailed separately from regular tax bills and typically have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: General Homestead Exemption: -$6,000
  • Net Taxable EAV: $94,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 7.50%
  • Annual Tax: $7,050
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $588

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: General Homestead Exemption: -$6,000
  • Net Taxable EAV: $194,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 7.50%
  • Annual Tax: $14,550
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,213

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less: General Homestead Exemption: -$6,000
  • Net Taxable EAV: $327,333
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 7.50%
  • Annual Tax: $24,550
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $2,046

Note: The General Homestead Exemption requires annual application and reduces EAV by up to $6,000 for owner-occupied properties. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons, but all require separate applications with specific deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jefferson County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, plus a cushion amount (usually 1-2 months) to account for tax increases. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any surplus or shortage.

Property taxes in Jefferson County are typically due in two installments during the year, with specific due dates announced by the Treasurer's office. Your lender should make payments directly to the county before the due dates to avoid penalties. It's important to verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking the county's online payment system at payments.municipay.com/il_jefferson. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), you can use the same online system, pay in person at the Treasurer's office, or mail payments according to the instructions on your tax bill.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Jefferson County? A: For the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2026), real estate tax due dates are to be determined. Mobile home tax due dates are also TBD. Check the Jefferson County Treasurer's website or your tax bill for specific dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The General Homestead Exemption reduces your EAV by up to $6,000 and requires annual application. Senior citizens, veterans, and disabled persons may qualify for additional exemptions, but each requires a separate application with specific deadlines. None of these are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The General Homestead Exemption reduces your property's equalized assessed value by up to $6,000 for owner-occupied homes. You must apply annually, and it's not automatic. This exemption reduces the assessed value on which taxes are calculated, not your market value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Illinois law requires properties to be reassessed every four years, though Jefferson County may conduct annual reviews. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring or early summer, with appeal deadlines clearly stated on the notices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties according to Illinois state law. Delinquent notices are sent approximately two weeks after the due date. Contact the Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, Jefferson County offers online payment through payments.municipay.com/il_jefferson. You can scan the QR code on your tax bill or visit the website directly. An auto-pay option is also available for convenience.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Jefferson County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and other special districts. Properties in different areas of the county may be served by different combinations of these districts, resulting in different total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Jefferson County Board of Review within the deadline specified on your assessment notice. If unsatisfied with the Board of Review decision, you can appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Property Taxes and Online Payment - Jefferson County, Illinoisjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
02
County
Property Tax 101 - Jefferson County - Illinois.govjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
03
County
FINAL Tax Computation Report Jefferson Countyjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
04
Tax Doc
Delinquent Tax Collection Processjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
05
County
Property Tax - Jefferson County - Illinois.govjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
06
County
Property Tax Exemptions - Jefferson County - Illinois.govjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
07
County
Applications & Forms - Jefferson County - Illinois.govjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
08
County
Assessor - Jefferson County - Illinois.govjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
09
County
JEFFERSON COUNTY, ILLINOISjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
10
Tax Doc
Introduction to Residential Assessment Practices PTAX-1-Ajeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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