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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington 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
5-8% effective rate (varies by district combination of school, township, municipal, and special districts)
1st Due
Jun 1
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, townships, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local entities, with the county serving as the collection agent for all taxing bodies within its boundaries. The property tax system is governed by Illinois state law, including the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which limits annual tax increases.

For the 2025 tax year, Washington County's effective property tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, townships, and special taxing districts. Property owners can expect rates ranging from approximately 5% to 8% of assessed value, depending on their specific taxing districts. The county has projected total property tax collections of $5,525,135.58 for 2025, representing an estimated 7.5% increase over the previous year. Property assessments are conducted annually, with taxes becoming a lien on January 1st of each tax year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General Fund6.04%County operations, services, and administration
School DistrictsVaries by districtElementary and high school districts (rates vary significantly)
TownshipVaries by townshipTownship road maintenance and services
MunicipalVaries by city/villageCity/village services where applicable
Fire ProtectionVaries by districtFire protection districts where applicable
LibraryVaries by districtPublic library districts where applicable
Park DistrictVaries by districtParks and recreation where applicable

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent rates per $100 of Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). Actual total tax rates vary significantly by property location within Washington County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Properties may be subject to additional special assessments for drainage, lighting, or other improvement districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington 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 property taxes in Washington County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property transfers to new owners, completion of new construction or major improvements, subdivision of property, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax amount is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increase in assessed value, then prorating based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home improvement is completed in July (6 months remaining in the tax year), and the total tax rate is 7%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $175 (($50,000 × 0.07) × 6/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $90,000
  • Annual Tax (7% rate): $6,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $525

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (7% rate): $13,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,108

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $323,333
  • Annual Tax (7% rate): $22,633
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,886

Note: Homestead exemptions require annual application and are not automatic. Tax rates shown are estimates and actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and maintain these funds in a separate account until taxes are due.

Property taxes in Washington County are typically paid in two installments, with due dates that may vary but generally fall around June 1st and September 1st. Lenders typically pay the first installment from escrow in late May or early June, and the second installment in late August or early September. Property owners should verify that their lender has made these payments on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for timely payment even when using escrow. Annual escrow analysis statements show how collected funds were disbursed and may result in escrow payment adjustments if tax bills increase significantly from year to year.

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 Washington County for 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments, with the first installment generally due around June 1st and the second installment due around September 1st. However, if tax bills are mailed late (after May 1st), the first installment is due 30 days after the bill date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax benefit is the Homestead Exemption, which reduces your Equalized Assessed Value by up to $10,000. This requires annual application and is NOT automatic. Other credits may be available for seniors, veterans, and disabled persons, all requiring separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your property's Equalized Assessed Value by up to $10,000, not your market value. You must apply annually, and it's designed to limit assessment increases rather than provide a flat reduction in market value. Applications are typically due by December 31st of the assessment year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Washington County? A: Properties are assessed annually in Washington County. If you disagree with your assessment, you can file an appeal with the County Board of Review, typically between July and September following the assessment year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Illinois law allows for penalties and interest on delinquent property taxes. Interest typically accrues monthly on unpaid balances, and properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Washington County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options, as availability may vary. Many Illinois counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Washington County? A: Properties are subject to taxes from multiple local government entities including school districts, townships, municipalities, and special districts. Since these boundaries don't always align, different properties may be in different combinations of taxing districts, resulting in different total tax rates.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on your location, you may pay additional taxes for fire protection districts, library districts, park districts, drainage districts, or other special purpose local governments. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by property location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
October 14, 2025washingtonco.illinois.gov
02
Tax Doc
Proposed-Property-Tax-Increase- ...washingtonco.illinois.gov
03
CITY OF WASHINGTON, ILLINOISci.washington.il.us
04
Tax Doc
When do I have to pay my property taxes?tax.illinois.gov
05
County
Washington County Public Access > Homewashcotax.co.washington.or.us
06
County
Washington County, Illinoiswashingtonco.illinois.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Exemption Information (PIO-74)tax.illinois.gov
08
County
Washington County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
09
Tax Doc
35 ILCS 200/ Property Tax Code.ilga.gov
10
County
September 29, 2025 - Washington County, Illinoiswashingtonco.illinois.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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