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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monroe County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Monroe 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
Approximately 2.27% effective rate (varies significantly by taxing district combination within county)
1st Due
Sep 18
2nd Due
Mar 20
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Monroe County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system where taxes are collected to fund essential local services including schools, county government, townships, and various special districts. Property taxes in Monroe County are based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with the state requiring assessment at 33⅓% of fair market value for residential properties. The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, but generally ranges around the state average of approximately 2.27%.

Property tax bills in Monroe County are issued annually but paid in two installments. For 2025 real estate taxes (payable in 2026), the first installment is due September 18, 2026, and the second installment is due November 6, 2026. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within Monroe County, as different areas fall under different school districts, municipalities, fire protection districts, and other special taxing authorities that each levy their own rates.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates (payable in 2026) for Monroe County vary by taxing district combination. While specific rates are set annually by the County Board and individual taxing bodies, the typical components include:

ComponentApproximate Rate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesCounty operations, sheriff, courts, health services
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding (largest component)
TownshipVariesRoad maintenance, general assistance
MunicipalityVariesCity/village services (if applicable)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire and emergency services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services
Other Special DistrictsVariesParks, drainage, etc.

Note: Aggregate taxes for county purposes cannot exceed 75¢ per $100 of assessed value unless authorized by referendum. Exact rates for your property depend on your specific location within Monroe County. Contact the Monroe County Treasurer's Office for current rates applicable to your parcel.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Monroe County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Sep 18
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 20
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

Monroe County follows Illinois state law regarding supplemental assessments, which can occur when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year. Supplemental taxes are typically triggered by new construction, major improvements, or changes in property use that increase the assessed value after the regular assessment date.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the increased assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed halfway through the tax year, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that additional assessed value for the remaining six months. Property owners receive separate supplemental tax bills with their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

2025 Tax Year Examples (Payable 2026):

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33⅓%): $100,000
  • Less General Homestead Exemption: -$6,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $94,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (2.27% rate): $2,134
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$178

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33⅓%): $200,000
  • Less General Homestead Exemption: -$6,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $194,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (2.27% rate): $4,404
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$367

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33⅓%): $333,333
  • Less General Homestead Exemption: -$6,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $327,333
  • Estimated Annual Tax (2.27% rate): $7,430
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$619

Note: Exemptions require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing district combination.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Monroe County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders collect monthly deposits equal to approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill, holding these funds in escrow until tax payments are due. With Monroe County's split payment schedule (September and November), lenders typically pay both installments on behalf of homeowners.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. They may also conduct escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on changes in tax bills. Property owners should verify that their lender has current exemption information, as changes in exemptions can significantly affect tax bills and required escrow deposits. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, remember that 2025 taxes are due September 18, 2026 (first installment) and November 6, 2026 (second installment).

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 2025 property taxes due in Monroe County? A: For 2025 real estate taxes (payable in 2026), the first installment is due September 18, 2026, and the second installment is due November 6, 2026.

Q: What is the General Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The General Homestead Exemption reduces your property's assessed value by $6,000 for your primary residence. This exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Contact the Monroe County Assessor's Office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Monroe County? A: Illinois offers various tax credits for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, and others. These require separate applications with specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Contact the County Assessor's Office for available programs and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Monroe County? A: Monroe County follows Illinois law for assessment schedules. Contact the County Assessor's Office for specific reassessment timing and procedures in your area.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges according to Illinois state law. Contact the Monroe County Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check the Monroe County Treasurer's Office website for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Monroe County Board of Review within specific deadlines. Contact the Board of Review for forms, deadlines, and procedures.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to higher tax rates levied by various taxing bodies (schools, county, municipalities, special districts) even if your assessment remains unchanged.

Q: What if I disagree with my tax bill? A: First verify the assessment and applied exemptions are correct. For assessment disputes, contact the Board of Review. For billing errors, contact the County Treasurer's Office.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Monroe County determines which special taxing districts apply to your property (fire protection, library, parks, etc.), and each adds to your total tax rate.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Treasurer's Office – Monroe County, ILmonroecountyil.gov
02
IDFPR Advances Phases 3 and 4 of CORE, Expanding ...illinois.gov
03
Tax Doc
Illinois Tax Handbook for Legislatorsilga.gov
04
Tax Doc
When do I have to pay my property taxes?tax.illinois.gov
05
County
Monroe County, ILmonroecountyil.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Savings Programsmonroecountyil.gov
07
PT 98-14 - Government Ownership/Usetax.illinois.gov
08
PT 04-39 - Charitable Ownership/Usetax.illinois.gov
09
Tax Doc
PTAX-60, Illinois Property Tax Rate and Levy Manualtax.illinois.gov
10
Tax Doc
PTAX-1-T, Township Assessor Introductory Coursetax.illinois.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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