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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Morgan County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions (schools, fire, library, municipal)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Morgan County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal services, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on market value, with assessments currently calculated at 34.08% of fair market value using sales data from 2022, 2023, and 2024. The county follows Illinois' Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which limits annual tax increases.

The effective tax rate in Morgan County varies significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners should expect their specific tax rate to differ from county averages based on which combination of taxing districts serves their property. Tax bills are typically mailed in May, with payment due dates generally falling in June and September, though exact dates may vary by taxing district.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The final tax rates for Morgan County for the 2025 levy year have not yet been determined by the county board. Tax bills will be mailed in May 2025 with finalized rates. The following represents the typical structure of property tax components:

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General0.25% - 0.35%County operations, courts, sheriff
School Districts3.50% - 5.50%Elementary and high school districts (varies significantly)
Township0.10% - 0.25%Road maintenance, general assistance
Fire Protection0.15% - 0.40%Fire departments and emergency services
Library District0.05% - 0.15%Public library operations
Municipal0.30% - 0.80%City/village services (incorporated areas only)
Other Special Districts0.05% - 0.30%Parks, drainage, mosquito abatement

Note: Actual rates vary by specific location within Morgan County based on which taxing districts serve each property. Rural properties typically have different rate combinations than incorporated areas.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Morgan County are triggered by significant changes to property that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, and changes in property use classification. When supplemental taxes are assessed, they represent the pro-rated difference between the old assessment and new assessment for the remaining portion of the tax year.

The calculation involves determining the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, applying the current tax rate to this difference, and pro-rating based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in March and increases the assessed value by $34,080 (at 34.08% assessment ratio), with a 4.5% total tax rate, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,534 ($34,080 × 4.5%) × 75% (9 months remaining) = $1,151 due immediately upon billing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (34.08%): $102,240
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $92,240
  • Annual Tax (est. 4.2% rate): $3,874
  • Monthly Escrow: $323

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (34.08%): $204,480
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $194,480
  • Annual Tax (est. 4.2% rate): $8,168
  • Monthly Escrow: $681

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (34.08%): $340,800
  • Less: Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $330,800
  • Annual Tax (est. 4.2% rate): $13,894
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,158

Note: The homeowner exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Tax rates shown are estimates as 2025 rates are not yet finalized.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Morgan County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though borrowers may request escrow even with larger down payments. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to one-twelfth of the annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums. The lender pays property taxes directly to the county treasurer when bills become due.

Morgan County property taxes are typically due in two installments, with payment dates usually in June and September, though specific dates vary by taxing district and will be printed on tax bills mailed in May 2025. Lenders typically pay taxes slightly before the due date to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has received and paid their tax bills, as ultimate responsibility remains with the property owner even when using escrow services.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually by lenders, with adjustments made to monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. If property taxes increase significantly, borrowers may face higher monthly payments or may need to pay escrow shortages at the time of analysis.

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 property taxes due in Morgan County for 2025? A: Tax bills will be mailed in May 2025 with specific due dates printed on each bill. Typically, payments are due in June and September, but dates vary by taxing district.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homeowner Exemption, which reduces assessed value by up to $10,000 annually. This requires application with the Morgan County Supervisor of Assessments. Senior citizens may qualify for additional exemptions. Applications are typically due by January 31st for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work? A: The Homestead exemption (different from Homeowner exemption) caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits assessment growth and requires separate application filing with the county.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Morgan County conducts ongoing assessment updates using recent sales data. The current assessment level of 34.08% is based on 2022-2024 sales data and may be adjusted annually.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Morgan County Board of Review during their annual session, typically held in summer months. Contact the County Supervisor of Assessments for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties as specified by Illinois statute. Contact the County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Morgan County Treasurer's office to verify current online payment options and accepted payment methods, as availability may vary by taxing district.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Morgan County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipalities. Each taxing body sets its own levy, resulting in varying total tax rates across the county.

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