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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Putnam County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district combination - depends on school district, municipality, township, and fire protection district serving your property
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Putnam County, Illinois operates on a property tax system where all properties (except farmland and coal) are assessed at 33.33% of fair market value. Property taxes fund essential local services including schools, townships, municipalities, fire protection, and county operations. The tax system follows Illinois state guidelines under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) and provides various tax credits for eligible homeowners.

Property tax rates in Putnam County vary significantly by location due to different combinations of taxing districts including school districts, municipalities, townships, fire protection districts, and other special districts. Your specific tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property location. Tax bills are issued annually in May for the following tax year, with the assessment year determining your 2025 payable 2026 property tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General0.3% - 0.5%County operations and services
Township0.1% - 0.3%Township road maintenance and services
School Districts4.0% - 6.0%Elementary and high school funding
Community College0.3% - 0.5%Illinois Valley Community College
Fire Protection0.2% - 0.4%Local fire protection services
Other Special Districts0.1% - 0.3%Libraries, park districts, drainage
Total Effective Rate5.0% - 8.0%Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year and represent typical ranges. Your actual rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts serving your property. Contact the County Clerk for exact rates applicable to your address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Putnam 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 property taxes in Putnam County are triggered when property ownership changes hands or when new construction/improvements are completed during the tax year. These supplemental bills cover the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in August that was previously assessed lower due to the prior owner's exemptions, you may receive a supplemental bill covering August through the end of the tax year. Similarly, completing a home addition or major renovation triggers a supplemental assessment based on the increased property value. Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same 33.33% assessment ratio and local tax rates that apply to regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homeowner Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax (6.5% rate): $5,850
  • Monthly Escrow: $488

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homeowner Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (6.5% rate): $12,350
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,029

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homeowner Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,333
  • Annual Tax (6.5% rate): $21,017
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,751

Note: Homeowner Exemption requires annual application and reduces assessed value by up to $10,000. Tax rates shown are examples and vary by taxing district combination.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Putnam County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your tax bills directly to the County Treasurer when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount as required by federal law.

Property tax bills are mailed in May with first installment due June 1st and second installment due September 1st. Your lender should receive and pay these bills on your behalf if you have an escrow account. You can verify payments were made by checking with the Putnam County Treasurer's office or viewing your account online. If your lender fails to make timely payments, contact them immediately as you remain ultimately responsible for the taxes and any late penalties.

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 Putnam County for FY 2025-2026? A: First installment is due June 1st, second installment due September 1st. Bills are typically mailed in May.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homeowner Exemption reduces assessed value by up to $10,000 but requires annual application. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons - all require separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead/Homeowner Exemption work? A: This exemption reduces your property's assessed value by up to $10,000, which must be your primary residence. You must file an application annually - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Putnam County? A: Properties are typically reassessed every 4 years by the Township Assessor, though the County can conduct additional reviews as needed.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer immediately if you cannot make the due dates to discuss payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Putnam County Treasurer's office at the courthouse to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Assessment Office. There are specific deadlines and procedures that must be followed for appeals.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Putnam County? A: Your tax rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve your property location - school districts, municipalities, townships, fire districts, and other special districts each add to your total rate.

Q: What if my taxing districts change due to boundary modifications? A: Boundary changes can affect your tax rate. The County Clerk maintains current district maps and can verify which districts apply to your property address.

Q: How can I verify which exemptions or credits I currently receive? A: Contact the Township Assessor's office or County Assessment Office to review your property record and confirm which credits are currently applied to your assessment.

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