How Property Tax Works
Marshall County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, municipalities, townships, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments, supporting services such as public education, fire protection, road maintenance, and county operations. The effective tax rate in Marshall County varies by location within the county, as properties are subject to different combinations of overlapping taxing districts including school districts, municipalities, townships, fire protection districts, and other special purpose districts.
The Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) governs how property taxes are calculated and limits annual increases in property tax extensions. Marshall County follows the state's assessment schedule, with properties typically assessed at 33.33% of fair market value for residential properties. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on their specific location within the county, as each taxing district levies its own portion of the total tax bill. The county collector issues tax bills with payments typically due in two installments during the tax year.