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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scott County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Scott 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 taxing district combination, Illinois statewide average ~2.27%
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scott County, Illinois operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, townships, municipalities, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated using assessed values determined on January 1st of each tax year, with properties assessed at 33.33% of fair market value as required by Illinois law. The county follows Illinois' Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which governs how tax rates are set and limited.

Effective tax rates in Scott County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including school districts, municipalities, townships, and special districts. While Illinois has a statewide average effective rate of approximately 2.27%, your actual rate depends on which taxing districts serve your specific property. Property tax bills are typically mailed in June, with payments due in two installments during the summer and fall months.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 tax rates for Scott County have not yet been finalized, as they are determined annually by the county board and various taxing districts. Below is the typical structure of property tax components:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal elementary and high school districts
TownshipVariesTownship-level services and road maintenance
MunicipalVariesCity/village services (if applicable)
Community CollegeVariesRegional community college district
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, park districts

Note: Actual rates vary by township and municipality. Properties in Farmers, Bernadotte, Vermont, Pleasant, Isabel, Waterford, Astoria, Woodland, and Kerton Townships will have different rate combinations based on their specific taxing districts. Final rates for the 2025 tax year will be announced by the county board in the coming months.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scott 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

Illinois does not typically issue supplemental tax bills like some other states. Instead, property tax adjustments are handled through the regular assessment and appeal process. However, new construction or substantial improvements completed during the tax year may result in additional assessments that appear on the following year's tax bill.

When property improvements are made, the county assessor evaluates the increased value and applies it to the subsequent tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in 2025, the added value would typically appear on your 2026 tax bill. The additional tax is calculated by applying the applicable tax rate to the increased assessed value of the improvements.

Property owners should notify the assessor's office of any substantial improvements to ensure proper assessment and avoid potential penalties for underreporting property value.

Example Calculation

Below are sample calculations for different property values in Scott County. Note that actual rates vary by taxing district, and these examples use estimated combined rates:

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Equalized Assessed Value: $90,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 6.5%
  • Annual Tax: $5,850
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $488

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Equalized Assessed Value: $190,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 6.5%
  • Annual Tax: $12,350
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,029

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$10,000
  • Equalized Assessed Value: $323,333
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 6.5%
  • Annual Tax: $21,017
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,751

Important: Homeowner and other exemptions require annual application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scott County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Scott County when they become due.

Property tax bills are mailed on June 18th, with the first installment due July 18th and the second installment due September 19th. Lenders typically pay before these deadlines to avoid penalties. After payment, your lender will provide documentation showing the tax payment on your behalf. You should verify that payments are made timely and for the correct amounts.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to Scott County by the due dates. The county accepts payments online, by mail, or in person at the county collector's office.

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 Scott County? A: For 2025, the first installment is due July 18th and the second installment is due September 19th. Bills are mailed on June 18th.

Q: What homeowner tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary homeowner exemption reduces your equalized assessed value by up to $10,000. You must apply annually - it is not automatic. There's also a disability exemption providing a $2,000 EAV reduction for qualifying disabled homeowners.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption (7% expanded homeowner exemption) limits your property's assessed value increase to 7% annually, helping protect against rapid assessment growth. You must file an application to receive this benefit.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Scott County? A: Properties are valued annually with a valuation date of January 1st. The county uses sales data from the three previous years (currently 2022, 2023, 2024) to determine current market values.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Illinois law allows counties to charge interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes, typically starting at 1.5% per month after the due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Scott County Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal to the Scott County Board of Review, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. If unsatisfied, you may further appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB).

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Scott County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, municipalities, fire districts, library districts, and other special taxing units, each with their own tax rates.

Q: Where can I get applications for exemptions and credits? A: Contact the Scott County Supervisor of Assessments office for exemption applications and filing deadlines. Most exemptions must be filed annually.

Q: What happens if I don't apply for available exemptions? A: You'll pay higher taxes than necessary. Exemptions and credits are not automatic - you must apply each year to receive the benefits, even if you qualified in previous years.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
notice to farmers, bernadotte, vermont, pleasant, isabel ...fultoncountyil.gov
02
County
COUNTY OF SCOTT - Exemptionsscottcoil.gov
03
Press Releases Archive - Illinois Department of Revenuetax.illinois.gov
04
County
COUNTY OF SCOTT - Treasurerscottcoil.gov
05
County
COUNTY OF SCOTT - Make a Paymentscottcoil.gov
06
County
COUNTY OF SCOTT - Welcome to Scott County, IL!scottcoil.gov
07
County
ILLINOIS COUNTY CLERKS' OFFICIAL PROPERTY TAX MANUALeffinghamcountyil.gov
08
County
Exemptions and Forms - Champaign Countyco.champaign.il.us
09
Tax Doc
PTAX-1-A, Introduction to Residential Assessment Practicestax.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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