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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Marion County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
6.8% to 7.3% effective rate of assessed value, varies by taxing district location
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Marion County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, fire protection, and municipal services. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local government operations, with the county collecting approximately $1.6 million annually based on the 2025-26 approved budget. The effective tax rate in Marion County typically ranges from 6.8% to 7.3% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location within the county.

Property tax rates in Marion County are not uniform across the entire county. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, park districts, and municipal boundaries. Each taxing district levies its own rate, which combines to create your total property tax bill. The county uses a collection rate of approximately 94-95%, with taxes paid in two installments throughout the year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates are based on recent levy data and vary by taxing district within Marion County:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Corporate0.166% - 0.208%General county operations and services
County Total0.244% - 0.316%All county levies including corporate
Fire Protection0.000% - 0.051%Fire department services (varies by district)
Police Pension0.044% - 0.047%Police pension obligations
School Districts1.327% - 1.417%Local school district operations
Debt Service0.591% - 0.621%Bond payments for infrastructure
Building Commission0.241% - 0.249%County building maintenance
Airport District0.103%Airport operations (where applicable)
Community College0.265%Kaskaskia College district
Total Combined Rate6.84% - 7.34%All taxing districts combined

Note: These rates apply to the assessed value (33.33% of market value in Illinois). Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts serving each property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Marion 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 property taxes in Marion County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these changes occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the year the change was in effect.

For example, if you purchase a home in Marion County that was previously under-assessed, or if you complete a major renovation, you may receive a supplemental tax bill. The calculation takes the increase in assessed value, multiplies it by your area's combined tax rate, and prorates it from the date of change through the end of the tax year. If a property's assessed value increases by $50,000 mid-year due to new construction, and the local tax rate is 7.0%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,750 (($50,000 × 0.070) ÷ 2 for half-year).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax (7.0% rate): $6,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $525

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (7.0% rate): $13,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,108

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,300
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,300
  • Annual Tax (7.0% rate): $22,631
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,886

Note: Homeowner exemption requires annual application and reduces equalized assessed value by up to $10,000. Tax rates shown are estimates and vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Marion County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Marion County when they become due. The lender estimates your annual tax liability and divides it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow contribution.

Marion County property taxes are due in two installments: the first installment is typically due June 1st, and the second installment is due September 1st. However, if tax bills are mailed late (after May 1st), the first installment is due 30 days after the bill date. Lenders typically pay each installment shortly before the due date. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments needed. It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Marion County Treasurer's office, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow services.

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 Marion County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: June 1st and September 1st. If bills are mailed after May 1st, the first installment is due 30 days after the bill date, with the second installment typically due August 1st.

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 annually. This credit requires an annual application and is NOT automatic. There's also a Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities providing a $2,000 reduction in assessed value, which requires application using form PTAX-343.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit doesn't reduce your market value - it limits assessment increases to help provide tax stability. You must file annually to maintain this benefit, and it's designed to cap how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The county adds penalties starting the day after the due date, and interest accrues monthly on unpaid balances.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Marion County? A: Illinois law requires reassessment every four years, though Marion County may conduct interim assessments for properties that have changed significantly due to improvements or other factors.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Marion County typically offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Contact the Marion County Treasurer's office for current online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Marion County Board of Review during the designated appeal period, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. You'll need to provide evidence supporting your claim that the assessment is incorrect.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Marion County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve your property - school districts, fire protection districts, park districts, and municipalities each levy their own rates. Properties in different areas of the county fall under different combinations of these districts, creating varying total rates.

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