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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McLean County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McLean 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 within county due to different taxing districts; base rate plus school, municipal, and special district levies
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McLean County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local services including schools, municipalities, townships, and county operations. The county collects and distributes over $462 million annually to nearly 200 different taxing bodies throughout the region. Property taxes in McLean County are governed by Illinois' Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which provides certain limitations on tax increases.

The effective property tax rate in McLean County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county, as different combinations of school districts, municipalities, fire protection districts, park districts, and other special taxing districts create unique tax rates for each property. While the statewide average is approximately 2.27%, actual rates in McLean County can range higher or lower based on your property's specific taxing district combination. Property taxes are assessed annually and paid in two installments, with the county treasurer overseeing collection and distribution to the appropriate local government entities.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Fund0.45%County operations, services, and administration
School District3.50-4.50%Local elementary and high school districts (varies by district)
Municipality0.75-1.25%City/town services (varies by municipality)
Township0.15-0.30%Township road maintenance and services
Community College0.35%Heartland Community College district
Park District0.20-0.40%Local park and recreation services (where applicable)
Fire Protection0.30-0.50%Fire protection districts (where applicable)
Library District0.25-0.35%Public library services (where applicable)

Total Effective Rate Range: 2.00% - 3.50% (varies significantly by location)

Note: These rates apply to Tax Year 2024 (payable in 2025) and are expected to increase by approximately 2.00% for the 2025 tax year due to county school facilities funding. Final rates are not yet determined and vary considerably based on your property's specific combination of taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McLean 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 McLean County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or changes in property ownership that reveal previously unreported improvements. Unlike the regular annual assessment cycle, supplemental taxes are calculated on the increased assessed value from the date the change occurred through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your property's assessed value by $16,667 (at Illinois' one-third assessment ratio), and your total tax rate is 2.5%, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately $312 covering the remaining 9 months of that tax year ($16,667 × 2.5% × 9/12 months). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% rate): $2,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $187.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: General Homestead Credit: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Less: Senior Citizens Credit: -$5,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $185,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.8% rate): $5,180
  • Monthly Escrow: $431.67

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less: General Homestead Credit: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,333
  • Annual Tax (at 3.2% rate): $10,347
  • Monthly Escrow: $862.25

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Tax rates vary by specific taxing district combinations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McLean County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest to ensure taxes are paid on time. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to McLean County on the June 4th and September 4th due dates.

Each year, your lender must provide an escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly by checking with the McLean County Treasurer's office, as any errors or delays can result in penalties and interest charges being assessed to the property owner.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in McLean County for 2025? A: Real estate taxes are due in two installments: June 4, 2025 (first installment) and September 4, 2025 (second installment). Mobile home taxes are due June 16, 2025. Final payments are accepted until November 5, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Yes, all tax credits require separate applications and are not automatic. Available credits include the General Homestead Credit (reduces assessed value by up to $10,000), Senior Citizens Credit, Disabled Veterans Credit, and Returning Veterans' Homestead Credit ($5,000 reduction for two years). Applications must be filed with the McLean County Supervisor of Assessments.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is actually a cap on assessment increases, not a reduction in market value. It limits annual assessment increases to 10% or the Consumer Price Index increase, whichever is less. You must file Form PTAX-340 annually to maintain this protection, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When is my property reassessed? A: McLean County conducts property reassessments on a four-year cycle as required by Illinois law. The most recent countywide reassessment was completed in 2021, with the next scheduled for 2025. However, the Supervisor of Assessments may review individual properties annually if there are improvements or other changes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the McLean County Board of Review between June and August following the assessment year. You can obtain appeal forms from the McLean County Supervisor of Assessments office or file online through the county website.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Illinois law requires a 1.5% penalty per month on delinquent property taxes. After taxes become delinquent, they also accrue interest at a rate set annually by the state, typically around 9-12% annually.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, McLean County offers online property tax payments through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees charged by the payment processor.

Q: Why do I receive separate tax bills from different districts? A: While McLean County collects most property taxes on a consolidated bill, some special districts like municipalities or fire protection districts may issue separate bills for special assessments or bonds. All regular property taxes should appear on your main McLean County tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
property tax abatements for tax year 2024 payable 2025mcleancountyil.gov
02
County
McLean County Treasurer & Tax Collectormcleancountyil.gov
03
Tax Doc
Sales Tax Rate Change Summary, Effective July 1, 2025tax.illinois.gov
04
FAQs • Treasurermcleancountyil.gov
05
Parcel Information Look-Upmcleancountyil.gov
06
Homestead Exemptionsmcleancountyil.gov
07
County
McLean County Property Tax Relief - Homestead Exemptionsmcleancountyil.gov
08
County
how is my mclean county real estate tax bill calculated?mcleancountyil.gov
09
County
County of McLean, Illinoismcleancountyil.gov
10
Supplementalmcleancountyil.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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